Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed another big injury blow following the goalless Premier League draw against Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners failed to win for the second-straight league game. They dominated possession, but the Toffees showed a strong defensive resolve to secure a draw.
Arteta made some surprise changes after the hour mark. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard were both substituted, but the former’s removal was not a tactical decision.
Speaking after the goalless stalemate, Arteta said that the England international had to be taken off as he has been carrying a little niggle over the past week.
He told reporters: “Well, with Declan, I had to take him out because he was feeling something. He has been with a little niggle for the last week or so. He has to be subbed in that moment. We have to do it.”
Arsenal have been hampered by multiple injury concerns this campaign. They missed the services of Odegaard earlier this campaign where they dropped several points.
The club have also been without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes at different stages. Ben White is out for the long-term after surgery. Riccardo Calafiori is nursing a groin issue.
Rice was unable to play a couple of games earlier this term with a broken toe and it appears he is now nursing a muscular injury. Arteta is taking no risks with the 25-year-old.
Arsenal host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday. It is most likely that he will be rested. Rice could face Palace in the league on the road next weekend.
Arteta has largely rotated his starting line-up for the Carabao Cup, but we could see a much stronger line-up this time around with the opportunity to make the last four of the competition.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com