Mikel Arteta has made two significant selection calls for Arsenal's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, 3rd January 2026. Kai Havertz has been left out of the matchday squad as part of a planned workload management strategy, while Declan Rice makes a swift return to the starting lineup after recovering from a knee injury.
Arteta Manages Key Players Ahead of Liverpool Test
The Arsenal manager's decisions come with a crucial home match against Liverpool scheduled for the following Thursday. While Rice was initially considered a major doubt, he has been passed fit to start against the Cherries. His inclusion is a boost for the Gunners, who missed his presence in their emphatic 4-1 victory over Aston Villa earlier in the week.
Conversely, Havertz, who had just returned to the squad for that Villa game, finds himself rested. Arteta confirmed the German international's omission was a precautionary measure to manage his physical load. "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," Arteta stated regarding Rice's fitness on Friday, highlighting the tight turnaround.
Arsenal's Starting XI Sees Further Attacking Changes
Beyond the Havertz and Rice news, Arteta has shuffled his attacking options. Bukayo Saka drops to the bench, with Noni Madueke set to start on the right flank. Gabriel Martinelli comes into the front three, while Leandro Trossard is named among the substitutes.
The rest of the side remains unchanged from the midweek triumph. Viktor Gyokeres continues to lead the line, and defender Gabriel Magalhaes starts again after overcoming cramp. Ben White, also recently back from injury, takes a place on the bench.
Arsenal are without several other players for the trip to the south coast. Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman are all unavailable for selection.
Bournemouth Stick With Unchanged Side
On the opposing side, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has shown faith in the team that secured a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea. He names an unchanged starting eleven. This means Antoine Semenyo retains his starting position despite ongoing transfer rumours linking him with a move to Manchester City. James Hill also continues in the heart of the defence.
Arteta's calculated gambles with player fitness and rotation will be under intense scrutiny as Arsenal aim to secure vital points in the Premier League title race, with one eye firmly on the upcoming heavyweight clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
