Why Bournemouth are the biggest test of Arsenal's Premier League credentials amid Rice injury
Arsenal might have received positive news regarding the spate of recent injuries they've suffered in the past couple of weeks. Manchester City's visit to the Emirates Stadium is on the horizon and after the disappointment of the North London Derby, the Gunners need a boost.
football.londonunderstands that, after assessment, Rice's injury is a minor one. He is unlikely to be risked for the trip to Brentford but there's positivity about imminent returns for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the coming week, while Rice himself could return for the trip to face the Cherries.
Before City arrive, Arsenal need to navigate an away trip to Bournemouth — after their midweek Carabao Cup match which should feature a heavily rotated side in my view. The Bournemouth game takes on an added importance with the potential for the aforementioned trio to still potentially miss out.
Arsenal given Declan Rice injury boost amid Trossard, Saka and Martinelli recovery updates
Arsenal will have to show that they can overcome this hurdle when they coiuld be without many of their first-team stars like Rice, Martinelli and Partey, alhtough there is hope Rice and Martinelli could be involved. This will test the depth of the squad and how ready players like Jorginho and Kai Havertz are to come in and start again.
The front three, for instance, was scrutinised for their performance at the weekend – Eddie Nketiah in particular. The game with Brentford presents a chance for the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe to stake a claim for the spot in the side at the weekend.
That is of course reliant on Mikel Arteta giving them the opportunity in the first place. There was little-to-no rotation for the first game in the Champions League and
Read on football.london
