Mikel Arteta has delivered a cautious replace on Declan Rice forward of Arsenal’s journey to Bournemouth, with the midfielder’s knee swelling but to subside because the squad prepares for its first match of 2026.
Photograph by Mark Thompson/Getty Pictures
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Arsenal journey south on Saturday understanding a win would take them seven factors away from Manchester Metropolis, who play on Sunday, however Arteta stated Rice stays a doubt after lacking the midweek sport in opposition to Villa.
Requested whether or not the swelling in Rice’s knee had gone down following the knock he sustained in opposition to Brighton, Arteta : “Not but, now we have one other session right this moment, let’s see how he comes right this moment.”
Arteta additionally rejected any suggestion that Rice ought to have been withdrawn earlier within the Brighton match after taking the kick that later led to the swelling.
“No, no, no,” he stated. “He managed to do it [finish the game]. That’s regular typically. You get a success, and all through the sport you’re able with adrenaline, and since you are heat, you’ll be able to maintain that.
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“After which the physique reacts, and it reacted in all probability greater than we anticipated, sadly. And that’s the place we’re.”
Arteta then confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori won’t return after lacking the Villa match, whereas Cristhian Mosquera stays sidelined and isn’t anticipated again till the center of the month.
On Calafiori and Mosquera, Arteta stated: “They’re each out.” It’s is.
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Max Dowman can be unavailable and isn’t anticipated again till February after struggling an ankle damage in a , which was organised to construct minutes for gamers coming back from damage.
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Arsenal head into the Bournemouth fixture aware of current conferences between the perimeters. Bournemouth accomplished a league double over Arsenal final season, together with a 2-0 win on this actual fixture, however Arsenal have failed to attain in solely considered one of their 16 Premier League matches in opposition to them and their defence is far more stable this time round.
As well as, Bournemouth are winless of their final 10 league video games, their longest run with out a victory in a top-flight marketing campaign, and have misplaced 12 of their 13 Premier League matches in opposition to groups beginning the day high of the desk.
In distinction, Arsenal have misplaced their opening league sport in simply one of many final 10 calendar years, and Arteta’s aspect will look to increase that report regardless of the uncertainty round Rice’s availability.
The referee in cost, nevertheless, .