Kai Havertz Arsenal squad snub vs Bournemouth explained as Bukayo Saka dropped | Football | Sport

Mikel Arteta has made significant decisions regarding Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for the Bournemouth vs Arsenal match. Havertz, who returned to the Gunners’ squad against Aston Villa, has been left out due to workload management, while Rice starts despite missing the resounding 4-1 victory over Villa in midweek.

Rice suffered a knee injury in the Brighton match but has fought back to play at the Vitality Stadium. Other notable changes include Bukayo Saka being benched with Noni Madueke deployed on the right wing instead of his countryman. Gabriel Martinelli has also been included in the attacking trio, with Leandro Trossard listed among the substitutes. Otherwise, Arteta has chosen an unchanged team, with Viktor Gyokeres continuing up front and Gabriel Magalhaes starting again after leaving the pitch with cramp earlier in the week.

Alterations for Saturday evening’s clash seemed likely given the crucial fixture against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium next Thursday. Rice seemed set to be rested for the Bournemouth game with that match in mind, however, he has been reinstated to the starting lineup.

Arteta’s Friday briefing suggested it would be a close call, but it was later confirmed that he had made the trip. When asked if the swelling around his knee had reduced, the Arsenal manager responded: “Well, not yet.”

“We have another session today. Let’s see how he comes today and how that’s feeling, but it was too early that game for him.”

In addition to Havertz, Arsenal are missing Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, while Max Dowman is also out of action. Declan Rice joins the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Ben White in making a comeback, with White securing a spot on the bench.

On the opposing side, Bournemouth have retained the same starting eleven that clinched a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Despite speculation about a potential transfer to Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo keeps his place in the starting line-up, as does James Hill in his role as centre-back.

With their main title contenders not playing until Sunday evening against Chelsea, Arsenal have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top to six points. This follows Aston Villa’s return to winning form earlier today when they triumphed 3-1 over Nottingham Forest.