Arsenal injury crisis as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette face race to be fit for Bournemouth clash

ARSENAL are sweating over the fitness of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ahead of Sunday's clash against Bournemouth - and other first-team stars.

Both men were absent for their nations during the international break as the duo pulled out of the squads due to minor injuries.

Aubameyang was forced to defend himself on Twitter after he withdrew from the Gabon squad with a back injury.

The 29-year-old - who has netted nine goals in all competitions this season - has sensationally accused the Gabon FA of hanging him out to dry.

Along with Lacazette, the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker is currently being assessed by Arsenal's club doctors to determine whether they are fit to play.

Lacazette - who hasn't featured for the French national team since last November - pulled out of Didier Deschamps' squad just two hours after receiving his late call-up.

It is understood the 27-year-old has picked up a minor groin injury, with Unai Emery not willing to send him off to France for the games against Holland and Uruguay.

With crucial clashes against Tottenham and Manchester United on the horizon, the Gunners are keen on their forwards remaining fully fit ahead of the busy Christmas period.

Mohamed Elneny - a January target for Leicester - could be back in the Arsenal squad having recovered from his thigh injury he suffered last month.

While Nacho Monreal is a nearing a return back to the first team having been out of action since October 7 with a hamstring injury.

There is expected to be still no place in the side for defenders Laurent Koscielny, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Granit Xhaka will be looking to avoid a caution by the referee against the Cherries on the weekend, with the Swiss midfielder one booking away from suspension.

With the North London derby to take place on December 2, Emery will be desperate to field his strongest XI possible.