Mikel Arteta's Arsenal selection headache vs Bournemouth that could determine Zinchenko future

With Jurrien Timber close to making a return to full fitness, Mikel Arteta could have a fully fit squad to choose from against Bournemouth on Sunday. The Spaniard couldn't be more delighted.

"Yeah, availability we mentioned before, that it was something key," he said ahead of last weekend's North London Derby victory over Tottenham. "That’s a huge boost that elevates the training sessions, the competition, between the players and the alternatives to pick the right line ups to change the game. It’s going to be something very important."

As happy as Arteta might be, there's a downside to the whole squad being available, too. He's going to have to make one of his players very unhappy.

Nowhere is this more true than the left-back spot, where Arteta has three genuine options to start against Bournemouth this weekend. Of course, Timber can play there, but it's too soon for him to be involved in games from the off.

Instead it will come down to one of Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu. At one stage or another, all three have been first-choice for Arsenal in the position; but their interchangeability speaks to how lively the battle for a starting spot at left-back still is.

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Kiwior offers defensive solidity. He is a decent passer, and does get forward to contribute, but as a natural centre back, his primary concern is stopping the other team.

Zinchenko, meanwhile, is more of a creator. The Ukrainian drifts into midfield and has the ability to split any defence in world football with his passing range. At the same time, though, he can be a risk defensively and offers chances up to opponents.

Somewhere between the two is Tomiyasu. The Japan international is by no means a line-breaking passer, but he is technically proficient and is viewed by Arteta as the best one-vs-one defender at the club.

Tomiyasu has been Arteta's go-to man in recent matches against Chelsea, Tottenham and Bayern Munich. You imagine it will be he who gets the nod against Bournemouth this weekend, providing that he is able to stay clear of injury.

It is interesting to note that in Timber's limited outings for the Under-21s in recent weeks, he has been used at left-back, rather than his preferred right-back position. Now the relative lack of options for Mehmet Ali's side in this position may be a reason for that, but it could also be an indicator of where Arteta intends to use the Dutchman.

None of Tomiyasu, Zinchenko or Kiwior have really been able to nail down that starting spot. With Timber's return close on the horizon, Saturday's match with Bournemouth could be their best - and possibly last - chance of doing so.