Mikel Arteta has made two significant selection calls for Arsenal's Premier League trip to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Kai Havertz has been left out of the squad entirely for load management reasons, while Declan Rice makes a swift return to the starting lineup despite a recent knee injury.
Arteta's Tactical Shuffle and Injury Returns
The Arsenal manager confirmed that Havertz, who only recently returned to the matchday squad in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa, has been omitted as a precaution to manage his workload. In a more surprising move, Declan Rice starts the match. The midfielder sustained a knee problem in the encounter against Brighton, which forced him to miss the Villa victory, but has recovered sufficiently to feature against the Cherries.
Arteta had previously suggested Rice's availability was "touch and go," noting on Friday that swelling around the knee had not fully subsided. "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," the manager said before the player was passed fit.
Other Key Team News for Gunners
Further changes see Bukayo Saka dropped to the bench, with Noni Madueke set to start on the right flank. Gabriel Martinelli comes into the attacking trio, displacing Leandro Trossard who is named amongst the substitutes. Striker Viktor Gyokeres continues to lead the line, and defender Gabriel Magalhaes also starts after overcoming cramp earlier in the week.
The decisions come with one eye on a massive upcoming fixture, as Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium next Thursday. Alongside Havertz, Arsenal are without defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, while Max Dowman is also unavailable.
Bournemouth Stick with Unchanged Side
On the opposing side, Bournemouth manager has opted for consistency, naming an unchanged starting XI from the side that secured a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea. This means Antoine Semenyo, despite rumours of a potential move to Manchester City, retains his place in attack. James Hill also continues in the heart of the defence.
The return of Declan Rice adds to a growing list of players coming back from injury for Arteta, joining Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Ben White, the latter of whom takes a spot on the bench for this encounter.
