While Merino continues his long-term recovery, the Gunners have been handed an immediate lift with the news that Eberechi Eze is available for selection. The England international has been sidelined for the last three matches after picking up a lower leg injury during the win over Bayer Leverkusen, but he has returned to full training ahead of the trip to Bournemouth.
Arteta was full of praise for the playmaker's dedication to his recovery, stating: "He is available. He has [been ahead of schedule], my first conversation with him after he felt a niggle, he wanted to be available the next week, we knew that was impossible. But the recovery, the will that he’s shown from day one to get back as quick as possible, how he’s pushed the medical staff and himself to be there tomorrow, it’s just great to watch."