Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth lineup Key man returns as Arteta makes one change, Rice a doubt; Gabriel Jesus in, Gyokeres out, Havertz in contention…

Predicted Arsenal lineup against Bournemouth: Rice uncertain; Havertz available

Key player returns as Arteta makes one adjustment | Predicted Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth.

Kai Havertz might come off the bench for Arsenal when they face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal aims to extend their recent winning streak in the Premier League as they clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening. Mikel Arteta has no new concerns ahead of his team’s upcoming match.

The Spanish manager remains anxious about Declan Rice’s fitness after he was sidelined during the match against Aston Villa earlier this week due to a swollen knee. The English international has not participated in training since Tuesday, and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to play against Bournemouth this weekend.

Furthermore, Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), Riccardo Calafiori (knock), and Max Dowman (ankle) are still receiving treatment. During his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided updates on the fitness of Rice, Calafiori, and Mosquera. The Spanish manager also addressed how he typically reacts to new injuries.

The Arsenal manager stated, “We have another session today, let’s see how he feels after today’s training, but [the Villa match] was too soon for him. Sometimes you sustain a hit during the game, and with adrenaline and being warm, you can manage it, but then the body reacts. Unfortunately, it reacted more than we anticipated, and that’s our current situation.”

“The first reaction is to consider what we can improve. The second is to acknowledge the reality of the sport we are in. However, looking back over the last three seasons, we have experienced fewer injury days than in the past. It’s all about perspective.”

During his press conference, Arteta also discussed Kai Havertz’s return and the additional options available to lead the attack. The Arsenal manager remarked, “It benefits the team and every individual. That’s our goal, to have options, especially with the number of games we have.

“Up until now, we haven’t had that choice, so I am eager to see everyone involved, everyone performing, and having the ability to modify profiles, to make changes during the game as well, and to select players under the best circumstances every time.”

David Raya is a guaranteed starter in goal, with Arsenal set to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation against Bournemouth on Saturday. The defense will consist of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Piero Hincapie.

In terms of the midfield, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino are the clear choices if Rice is still unavailable. Martin Odegaard will take on the no. 10 position, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard positioned as the two wide forwards.

Lastly, Viktor Gyokeres will maintain his role as the striker for the away team against Bournemouth. Consequently, Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will serve as backup options on the bench.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber; Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Odegaard, Trossard; Gyokeres