Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a significant and timely boost with the news that midfielder Declan Rice could be in contention for Saturday evening's Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Rice Makes Surprise Trip to South Coast
The England international, who missed the midweek 4-1 victory over Aston Villa due to a knee problem, has travelled with the squad to the Vitality Stadium. His presence marks a positive development after initial concerns he would miss the fixture entirely.
Rice was spotted participating in the team's pre-match walk on the south coast, a strong indication that his condition has improved. This comes after he was absent from training images released by the club on Friday evening, casting doubt on his availability.
Arteta's Cautious Approach Amid Busy Schedule
Just 36 hours before the match, Arteta had offered a cautious update, revealing that swelling around Rice's knee had not fully subsided. The Spaniard stated it was "too early" for Rice to play against Villa, leaving his status for the Bournemouth game uncertain.
With crucial fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea on the horizon, alongside FA Cup and Champions League commitments this month, Arteta faces a decision. He may opt to reintroduce the 26-year-old gradually, potentially from the bench or with a limited starting role to manage his workload.
Injury Situation Easing for Gunners
Rice's potential return is part of a broader positive trend for Arsenal's medical room. Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, and Ben White have all returned to action in the past week, while Gabriel Jesus is back after an 11-month absence.
However, Arteta confirmed that defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined. Youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri were also absent from the travelling party.
Addressing the need for squad rotation, especially to support striker Viktor Gyokeres, Arteta emphasised the importance of having options. "It helps the team, it helps every individual," he said. "Looking forward to have everybody on it, everybody performing, being able to change profiles."
Arsenal face a congested January with nine matches scheduled, including league games against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Leeds, a Carabao Cup semi-final at Chelsea, and Champions League fixtures against Kairat and Inter Milan.
