Mikel Arteta gives Declan Rice injury update for Arsenal | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice remains a doubt for Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth this weekend.

Rice missed the midweek win over Aston Villa after sustaining a knee issue against Brighton on December 17th. The England international is due to train on Friday, though Arteta admitted the swelling around his knee has not gone down.

“Not yet. We have another session today. Let’s see how he comes through today and how he’s feeling, but it was too early that game for him,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.

Rice played the full 90 minutes against Brighton, despite picking up the knock on the hour. Asked if he had any regrets about that decision, Arteta added: “No, no, no – he managed to do it [complete the game]. That’s normal. Sometimes you get a hit and throughout the game you are able with adrenaline and because you are warm you are able to sustain that.

“And then the body reacts [after the game] and it reacted probably more than we expected, unfortunately, and that’s where we are.”

Arsenal are set to be handed a boost, however, with Kai Havertz back on the bench in midweek. The German has played just 31 minutes of football this season but now provides competition for Viktor Gyokeres and the recently-returned Gabriel Jesus.

“It helps the team, it helps every individual [to have to fight for their place]. I think that’s what we want to have the options, with the manner of the games we have and the schedule,” Arteta said on Havertz’s return.

“So far we haven’t had the options, so looking forward to having everybody on it, everybody performing and being able to change profiles and to change them during the game as well, to pick the best players in the best condition every time.”

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