Mikel Arteta has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to the fitness of Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace.
The England international came off just after the hour mark during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Everton. [Arteta confirmed after the game that this was due to an issue Rice had been managing for a short while](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/mikel-arteta-explains-controversial-odegaard-30588190).
“With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something,” he said. “He has been with a little niggle for the last week or so. He asked to be subbed in that moment, so we have to do it”
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Palace provides the perfect chance to give Rice some much-needed rest. Arteta, though, refused to rule the former West Ham midfielder out.
“He’s fine,” the Spaniard said. “We will make the decision on whether he’s available or not.”
[Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko are massive doubts for the game](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/declan-rice-riccardo-calafiori-arsenal-30601486). Calafiori has been missing for two weeks with a muscle problem, while Zinchenko has been absent since last weekend’s draw with Fulham.
Arteta admitted that neither were going to make the match. “Alex and Riccy will still be out of the squad for tomorrow.”
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White meanwhile are long term absentees for the Gunners with respected knee injuries. Neto will also be unavailable as he is cup tied in the competition.