Arsenal face late calls forward of Bournemouth check
Arsenal head to the south coast with uncertainty clouding their midfield, as Declan Rice stays a doubt for the night journey to Bournemouth. The England worldwide was compelled to take a seat out the midweek victory over Aston Villa after struggling a knee blow in opposition to Brighton, an impression that precipitated swelling and disrupted his availability.
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Mikel Arteta confirmed the difficulty has but to completely settle, leaving Arsenal weighing up their choices rigorously earlier than kick off at 5:30pm GMT.
Photograph IMAGO
“Effectively not but,” the Arsenal boss mentioned.
“We have now one other session right now, let’s see how he comes right now and the way that’s feeling. It was too early [against Villa] for him.”
Rice’s potential absence would alter the stability of Arsenal’s midfield for a fixture that calls for management, tempo and bodily authority.
Midfield choices below scrutiny
If Rice is dominated out, Mikel Merino seems essentially the most pure alternative to keep up construction and defensive cowl. There may be additionally intrigue surrounding Eberechi Eze, who could possibly be handed his first Premier League minutes since mid December, though that will characterize a extra inventive and attacking adjustment in opposition to Bournemouth.
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Martin Odegaard stays central to Arsenal’s rhythm, with the captain anticipated to orchestrate play no matter who companions him deeper in midfield.
Defensive health stays delicate
In defence, Cristhian Mosquera continues to recuperate from an ankle harm, whereas Riccardo Calafiori stays unavailable after failing to characteristic for the reason that Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace. Gabriel and Jurrien Timber each began in opposition to Villa however had been withdrawn late on attributable to fatigue.
Gabriel is prone to resume his partnership with William Saliba, whereas Ben White might step in at proper again to handle Timber’s workload.
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Attacking choice poses contemporary debate
Additional ahead, Kai Havertz is match however not prepared to start out, leaving Arteta selecting as soon as extra between Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus to steer the road. Leandro Trossard’s current kind strengthens his case for choice, probably edging out Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal look to sharpen their innovative in opposition to Bournemouth.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Injured: Mosquera, Calafiori, Dowman