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Team news: Arsenal handed boost but Emery could be without 5 players for Bournemouth

By on February 26, 2019

Arsenal have been handed a fitness boost ahead of Wednesday night’s Premier League game with Bournemouth but two other players are facing late fitness checks.

Let’s start with the positive news and the club have confirmed on Arsenal.com that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is back in full training after recovering from illness that’s kept him out for the past two games.

Maitland-Niles sat out the matches with BATE Borisov and Southampton due to his illness but the 21-year-old is expected to return to the squad against Bournemouth tomorrow night.

His return could be well timed as Stephan Lichtsteiner is a doubt for the game on Wednesday after limping off with a back problem at the weekend. The club say it’s only a minor issue but it could still be enough to keep him out of the Bournemouth game.

Alex Iwobi is also facing a late fitness check after he suffered an ankle injury during the win over Southampton on Sunday afternoon. The Nigerian international has been playing well recently so let’s hope he makes a swift return to action.

With Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck all working their way back from serious injuries, Arsenal boss Unai Emery could be without five players for the visit of Bournemouth tomorrow if Lichtsteiner and Iwobi miss out.

A team news update on Arsenal.com said:

Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Back in full training after illness.

Alex Iwobi
Knock to right ankle. Being assessed ahead of Bournemouth (h).

Stephan Lichtsteiner
Minor back issue. Being assessed ahead of Bournemouth (h).

Hector Bellerin
Left knee. Recovering after surgery.

Rob Holding
Left knee. Recovering after surgery.

Danny Welbeck
Right ankle. Recovering after surgery.

The squad isn’t in bad shape right now but Iwobi’s absence would be a blow if he’s ruled out against the Cherries as he’s been playing well recently. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil and Denis Suarez are all pushing for recalls if Iwobi misses out tomorrow night.