Having missed Arsenal’s win over Villa with a swollen knee, Declan Rice could return for today’s game but will face a fitness test. “Let’s see how he comes and how that’s feeling,” said Mikel Arteta yesterday. “The Aston Villa game was too early for him.” Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori have been ruled out, while Max Dowman, who reached the ripe old age of 16 on New Year’s Eve, is also sidelined.
Despite appearing to bid farewell to Bournemouth fans following their midweek draw with Chelsea, Antoine Semenyo looks likely to play this evening and is also expected to be available for Bournemouth’s next match against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. “Yes, Antoine is going to play in this match,” said Iraloa yesterday. “I think the idea at least is that he’s going to be available for these two games that we have in a very short turnaround.”
Ben Gannon-Doak, Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams and Veljko Milosavljevic have all been ruled out, while Lewis Cook will have to pass a late fitness test after missing the draw with Chelsea. “With Lewis, we are still waiting,” said Iraola. “It’s his neck and the pain that he feels. He will try to train today and we will see. Hopefully he will be available for tomorrow.”
