Arsenal team news update: Gunners confirm boost but duo could miss Bournemouth game

Arsenal will be looking to cement their position in the top four with a win over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Ahead of the game, the club have provided a team news and injury update on Arsenal.com and confirmed that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is back in contention after recovering from illness.

The versatile midfielder has been forced to miss the last two matches against BATE Borisov and Southampton but he’s returned to fill training and could be back in the squad against Bournemouth tomorrow night.

However, Alex Iwobi is facing a late fitness check as the attacker is a doubt for the game on Wednesday after being forced off with an ankle injury during the 2-0 win over Southampton on Sunday afternoon.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will also need to be assessed by the medical team before his availability is determined tomorrow after he suffered a minor back issue against the Saints at the weekend.

Arsenal also included the latest on Hector Bellerin in their update and the right-back is obviously still recovering from a serious knee injury and remains on the sidelines along with fellow long-term absentees Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck.

The team news update on Arsenal.com read:

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.

Let’s hope Iwobi’s injury isn’t anything too serious as he’s been showing some great form in recent games while Lichtsteiner has also been solid in his last two outings – although Maitland-Niles can return at right-back if the Swiss international is ruled out.

Arsenal head in to tomorrow’s game sitting one point clear in fourth place in the table so we can cement our position with a win over Bournemouth at the Emirates.