Arteta has been handed a boostplaceholder image
Arteta has been handed a boost | Getty Images
Arsenal have been handed a potential fitness boost ahead of their Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth.
This could be a good opportunity for Arsenal to extend their lead at the top, but first they must take care of business against an AFC Bournemouth side on a mission to get back to form.
The Cherries endured a slide down the Premier League table going into the final weeks of the year, and while they do not look like relegation candidates, they are expecting much better. A draw with Chelsea last time out was a step in the right direction, and they are now looking to take at least a point from Arsenal to kick-start their revival.
Arsenal have been dealing with injury issues over recent weeks, with a number of players picking up issues, although there have been boosts along the way with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz returning.
The latest to pick up an issue was Declan Rice, who was a real doubt for the Bournemouth game given the quick turnaround from the win over Aston Villa, which came too soon for the midfielder. Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference: “We have another session today, let’s see how he comes today and how that’s feeling, but [the Villa game] was too early for him.
“Sometimes you get a hit and, throughout the game, you are able, with adrenaline and because you are warm, able to sustain that, and then the body reacts. It reacted probably more than we expected, unfortunately, and that’s where we are.”
But in a fresh report from the HanfdofArsenal, Rice is said to have travelled with Arsenal for the Bournemouth game and is expected to be in contention to play. That will be a big boost for the Gunners as they look to battle heavy legs at a difficult time of the year to protect their lead at the top.
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