Mikel Arteta has made important decisions regarding Declan Rice and Kai Havertz ahead of Bournemouth’s match against Arsenal. Havertz, who returned to the Gunners’ squad for the game against Aston Villa, was left out of the squad to manage his workload, while Rice missed the 4-1 win over Villa in midweek but started.
Rice injured his knee against Brighton but returned to play at the Vitality Stadium. Other notable changes include the addition of Bukayo Saka to the bench, with Noni Maduke replacing his compatriot on the right flank. Gabriel Martinelli also joined the attacking trio, while Leandro Trossard was also included as a substitute. Otherwise, Arteta opted for an unchanged squad, with Victor Gokeres continuing up front and Gabriel Magalhaes returning to the starting lineup after leaving the field with cramps earlier in the week.
Changes are likely to be made for Saturday night’s game, given next Thursday’s important game against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. Rice was apparently scheduled to be rested with the game against Bournemouth in mind, but he has returned to the starting XI.
Arteta’s press conference on Friday suggested there was a close call, but it was later confirmed that he had traveled. Asked if the swelling around his knee had gone down, the Arsenal manager said: “Well, not yet.”
“We have another session today. Let’s see how he comes in today, how he feels. But that game was too early for him.”
In addition to Havertz, Arsenal are also without Riccardo Calafioli and Cristian Mosquera, as well as Max Daumann. Declan Rice made a comeback alongside Gabriel Jesus, Julian Timber, Gabriel and Ben White, with White securing a spot on the bench.
At the other end, Bournemouth kept the same starting eleven they had in their thrilling 2-2 draw with Chelsea. Despite speculation about a possible move to Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo remains in the starting XI, with James Hill also filling his role at centre-back.
Arsenal have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points, as the main title contenders do not play until Sunday night against Chelsea. This follows Aston Villa’s 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest earlier today.
