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Arsenal receive major fitness boost ahead of Bournemouth clash: report

Arsenal have received a timely fitness boost with Sokratis Papastathopoulos expected to return to action for the FA Cup fourth round tie at Bournemouth on Monday night.

The Gunners saw David Luiz sent off for a straight red card in the 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea in midweek and the Brazilian is now due to serve a one-match domestic suspension.

According to Evening Standard, the north London giants will receive a welcome fitness boost for the forthcoming Cup tie at the Vitality Stadium with Sokratis expected to be involved.

The Greece international has missed the past two games for the club through an illness but he appears on course to slot into the central defence alongside either Rob Holding or Shkodran Mustafi on Monday.

Mustafi made a huge blunder with a poor back-pass at Stamford Bridge which contributed towards David Luiz’s sending off, after the Brazilian mistimed his challenge on Tammy Abraham in the box.

The German, however, redeemed himself with a solid second-half display in the London derby and he ended the game with nine clearances and three successful aerial duels, as per whoscored.

As such, the 27-year-old could retain his central defensive spot for the Cup tie ahead of Rob Holding, who has not been at his best since recovering from a long-term knee injury.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta fielded a strong side for the FA Cup third round win over Leeds United and more of the same can be anticipated against the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium.

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