Arsenal Reveal Declan Rice's Fate Ahead of Crucial Bournemouth Clash
Declan Rice has joined the Arsenal traveling party for Saturday's fixture at Bournemouth.
The key midfielder sustained a knee problem while filling in as makeshift right-back against Brighton & Hove Albion and was sidelined for the commanding 4–1 victory over Aston Villa, with Arsenal appearing more vulnerable without Rice despite the convincing scoreline.
Prior to the Bournemouth clash, boss Mikel Arteta kept Rice's availability uncertain, stating that a final call would be made following Friday's training session.
Though the complete assessment of Rice's condition will probably only emerge nearer to kickoff, the 26-year-old has, nonetheless, made the journey with the team to the Vitality Stadium.
Rice participated in Arsenal's customary pre-match stroll on Saturday morning alongside his teammates, hinting at a possible comeback—though this could merely be another tactical ploy from the Spanish manager.
Arteta: Time for Arsenal to End New Year Struggles
Arsenal enter Saturday's encounter comfortably positioned at the Premier League summit, with their lead extended to four points following Manchester City's unexpected stalemate against Sunderland during the week.
In all five prior instances when Arsenal have begun the calendar year as table-toppers, they have ultimately failed to secure the championship. The years 2008, 2014, 2016, 2022 and 2023 have all witnessed the Gunners relinquish their position as title contenders.
This pattern has only intensified the expectations surrounding Arsenal with each passing season, yet Arteta is confident his squad is prepared to alter this storyline.
"Let's shatter it," he declared regarding the disappointing sequence.
"That's the message the players convey daily when they're here with us, in training, and during every fixture. You witness their hunger. You observe the intensity they bring, and their determination to succeed.
"We still have five months remaining. Let's approach it step-by-step, embrace the journey of our current position, and pursue our goal."