Declan Rice was pictured with the Arsenal squad on their pre-match walk ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth, raising hopes of a swift return despite being an injury doubt.
The midfielder missed Tuesday’s win over Aston Villa with a knee issue sustained in the victory against Brighton last weekend, the first league game he has sat out this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the swelling on Rice’s knee has not yet subsided, saying: "Well not yet. We have another session today, let's see how he comes today and how that's feeling. It was too early [against Villa] for him."
Arteta now faces a decision on whether to recall Rice immediately, potentially at the expense of Mikel Merino. Rice’s availability would be a significant boost as Arsenal’s injury list eases, though Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman remain sidelined.
Victory over Bournemouth would move Arsenal seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, though City have the chance to respond against Chelsea on Sunday.
