Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a fresh update on the fitness of key midfielder Declan Rice, who faces a late fitness test ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Bournemouth.
Rice's Race Against Time
The England international missed Arsenal's vital 2-0 victory over Aston Villa earlier this week due to a knee problem. The issue was sustained during the recent win against Brighton, although Rice remarkably completed the full ninety minutes of that match.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the Vitality Stadium, Arteta remained cautiously optimistic. "Not yet, we have another session today, let's see how he comes today," the Gunners' boss stated when asked if Rice would be available. He emphasised that the reduction of swelling was critical, explaining after the Villa win: "It depends. The swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function. He wasn't able to do that today yet."
Confirmed Absences and Midfield Depth
While Rice's situation remains day-to-day, Arteta confirmed two definite absentees for the weekend. Neither defender Riccardo Calafiori nor Cristhian Mosquera will be available for selection as they continue their recovery.
Rice's absence against Villa provided an opportunity for others, and the team delivered impressively. The midfield partnership of Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi controlled the game, with the latter scoring Arsenal's second goal after a superb pass from captain Martin Odegaard.
Title Race Implications
Arsenal's victory, coupled with Manchester City's surprising 0-0 draw at Sunderland, has significantly altered the landscape at the top of the table. The Gunners now hold a four-point lead over Pep Guardiola's City and have extended their advantage over Aston Villa to six points.
The scheduling of this weekend's fixtures adds further intrigue. Arsenal face Bournemouth in Saturday's evening kick-off, 24 hours before Manchester City host Chelsea. This means the reigning champions could potentially take to the pitch at Stamford Bridge knowing they trail Arsenal by seven points, applying immense pressure on their own performance.
Arteta will therefore be desperate to have his influential midfielder back, but the performance against Villa proves his squad possesses the depth to navigate this crucial period in the title chase.
