Bournemouth have completed the emergency signing of veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster, with the deal approved by the Football Association in time for this weekend's Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Forster Registered for Vitality Stadium Showdown
The 37-year-old shot-stopper, who has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur last summer, has been registered and is eligible to feature when the Cherries host the league leaders at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening. This move provides crucial cover for first-choice keeper Djordje Petrovic.
Fraser Forster brings a wealth of experience from previous spells at Newcastle United, Southampton, and Celtic. He is expected to serve as backup to Petrovic, but could be called into action if the Serbian international suffers an injury during the match.
Bournemouth's Defensive Concerns Ahead of Arsenal Visit
The registration comes at a critical time for Andoni Iraola's side. Djordje Petrovic, now the club's only fit senior goalkeeper, has endured a difficult campaign, conceding 29 goals in 17 appearances this season.
Bournemouth's defensive record sees them languishing in 15th place with a goal difference of minus six, just nine points above the relegation zone. They have not kept a clean sheet since a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in early December.
Petrovic has conceded four goals in single matches against Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Brentford this term. In the latter fixture, he was credited with an own goal after a unfortunate deflection.
Arteta's Arsenal Face Injury Concerns
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta arrives on the south coast with his own selection headaches. The Spanish coach confirmed in his pre-match press conference that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera will miss the game, while midfielder Declan Rice is a doubt due to knee swelling.
Despite his side's position at the summit of the table, four points clear of Manchester City, Arteta expressed significant respect for the challenge Bournemouth pose. "Huge respect for them. I know Andoni really well and what he's doing," Arteta said. "I think it's incredible. I'm watching all the games they've played this season, and I've seen how difficult they've made it for top sides."
Arsenal's attack, which has scored 37 league goals this season, will be led by the potent duo of Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres, who have each netted five times.
High Stakes in the Premier League Title Race
Securing three points against Bournemouth is vital for Arsenal's title ambitions, particularly given their intense upcoming schedule. After Saturday's match, the Gunners face a relentless run of fixtures.
Their January calendar includes:
- A Premier League clash with Liverpool next Thursday.
- An FA Cup trip to Portsmouth just three days later.
- A League Cup encounter against Chelsea three days after that.
- Further Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Leeds.
- Champions League ties against Inter Milan and Kairat.
For Bournemouth, a positive result against the league leaders would provide a massive boost in their bid to pull away from the relegation battle, making the potential debut of emergency signing Fraser Forster a subplot full of intrigue.
