Declan Rice could make a swift return to action for Arsenal in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday evening. The midfielder travelled with the squad to the Vitality Stadium and was spotted during the team's pre-match walk, raising hopes he may feature despite a knee problem.
Rice missed Arsenal's 4-1 win over Aston Villa earlier this week after sustaining the injury the previous weekend. Manager Mikel Arteta had initially suggested the 26-year-old would be unavailable for the Bournemouth trip, with swelling around his knee yet to subside. However, Rice's condition appears to have improved sufficiently for him to be included in the travelling party.
Arteta faces a selection dilemma, with crucial matches against Liverpool and Chelsea on the horizon. He may opt not to start Rice, or could substitute him early to manage his fitness. The Gunners' injury list is shrinking, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Ben White all returning in recent days, while Gabriel Jesus has been back in action after an 11-month absence.
Arteta highlighted the importance of having options, saying: 'It helps the team, it helps every individual. That's what we want, to have the option with the amount of games that we have on the schedule.' Arsenal have nine matches scheduled this month, including league fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Manchester United and Leeds, as well as a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea and Champions League games against Kairat and Inter.
