Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth: Rice injury latest, confirmed team news, predicted lineup for Premier League | OneFootball

Gunners dealt double defensive blow ahead of trip to Vitality Stadium

Declan Rice remains a doubt for Arsenal's trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.

The midfielder missed the midweek win over Aston Villa after taking a blow to his knee in the previous match against Brighton that resulted in swelling.

Ahead of the squad training on Friday afternoon, Arteta was asked whether that swelling had now gone down.

"Well not yet," the Arsenal boss said.

“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."

Should Rice be ruled out, Mikel Merino is the most likely option to continue in midfield, unless Eberechi Eze is handed his first Premier League minutes since mid-December.

Cristhian Mosquera remains out with an ankle injury, while Riccardo Calafiori has not played since the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace and remains unavailable.

Gabriel and Jurrien Timber were both fit to start last time out against Villa, but had to come off in the closing stages after tiring and it remains to be seen whether they are ready to start again.

Jurrien Timber could be rested against Bournemouth

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

While Gabriel is likely to partner Saliba once again, Ben White could come in at right-back to protect Timber.

Up front, Kai Havertz is available but is not yet ready to start, meaning it is again a choice between Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus.

Leandro Trossard has been Arsenal's most impressive attacker in recent weeks and could again get the nod over Gabriel Martinelli.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Trossard

Injured: Mosquera, Calafiori, Dowman

Doubts: Rice

Time and date: 5:30pm GMT on Saturday, January 3, 2026

Venue: Vitality Stadium

How to watch: Sky Sports