Kai Havertz was left out of Arsenal’s squad against Bournemouth due to load management while Declan Rice returns from a knee injury for Mikel Arteta’s team
Mikel Arteta has made significant Declan Rice and Kai Havertz calls for Bournemouth vs Arsenal. Havertz returned to the Gunners’ matchday squad against Aston Villa but has been omitted due to workload management, whilst Rice starts despite missing that emphatic 4-1 triumph.
He sustained a knee problem in that encounter against Brighton but has battled back to feature at the Vitality Stadium. Other noteworthy selections include Bukayo Saka being dropped from the starting XI with Noni Madueke set to be utilised on the right flank.
Gabriel Martinelli has also been brought into the attacking trio with Leandro Trossard named amongst the substitutes, reports Football London. Otherwise, Arteta has opted for an unchanged side with Viktor Gyokeres continuing up front and Gabriel Magalhaes starting once more after departing with cramp earlier in the week.
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Changes for Saturday evening’s encounter always seemed probable with a massive fixture against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium scheduled for next Thursday. Rice appeared destined to be rested against Bournemouth with that match in mind, however he has returned to the starting lineup.
Arteta’s Friday briefing suggested it would be touch and go, but it was subsequently confirmed that he had made the journey. When questioned whether the swelling around his knee had subsided, the Arsenal manager said: “Well, not yet.
“We have another session today. Let’s see how he comes today and how that’s feeling, but it was too early that game for him.”
Alongside Havertz, Arsenal are without Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera whilst Max Dowman is also unavailable. Declan Rice joins the ranks of Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Ben White as recent returnees, with White taking a spot on the bench.
On the other side, Bournemouth have stuck with the same XI that secured a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Despite rumours of an impending move to Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo retains his starting position, with James Hill also holding onto his centre-back role.
With their main title rivals not in action until Sunday evening against Chelsea, Arsenal have the chance to extend their lead at the top to six points. That follows Aston Villa getting back to winning ways earlier today when they beat Nottingham Forest 3-1.
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