Bellerin and Ozil fit to face Bournemouth on Boxing Day

Ryan DarbyRyan Darby
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Bellerin and Ozil fit to face Bournemouth on Boxing Day

Arsenal have been handed a double fitness boost with both Hector Bellerin and Mesut Ozil in contention to face Bournemouth.

Reports claim Ozil has been passed fit after making a quick recovery from the injury that kept him out of the 0-0 draw at Goodison Park.

Mikel Arteta will take charge of his first Arsenal match on Thursday as the Gunners look to get back on track under their new manager.

While many suspected the team that lined up against Everton had some input from Arteta, this will be the first opportunity for fans to get a real taste of how the Spaniard will set up his team.

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This is great news for Arteta and Arsenal. The new boss will want to have as much of his squad fit as possible.

There were yet more changes for the Gunners at the back against Everton, with Bukayo Saka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles starting as makeshift full-backs.

It’s hardly ideal for Arsenal to have to rely on their youngsters in these positions, so Bellerin’s return to the team, should he start, will be a timely boost.

The Spaniard hasn’t featured since the home defeat to Brighton as his stop-start season continues. He’ll be hoping to play a key role under Arteta and finally get his campaign underway properly.

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