Injury scare: Declan Rice was unable to complete 90 minutes for Arsenal against Brentford in midweek
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Rice gave Arsenal an injury scare on Wednesday night when he limped off late during their 2-0 win over Brentford in the Premier League.
The midfielder was struggling with a calf issue and had to be substituted with seven minutes to go.
Rice told Sky Sports News after the game that he was “fine” - though Arteta has not confirmed if he will be ready for a tough visit to Villa Park this weekend.
The Arsenal boss said on Friday: “Let’s see [if Rice is fit to face Aston Villa]. I think with all the questions I am going to get, the answer is going to be the same as we have another training session later today.”
Cristhian Mosquera was also forced off against Brentford. The defender landed awkwardly in the first half when challenging for a header and it’s now been confirmed that he is dealing with an ankle issue. He is a major doubt to face Villa.
“That’s the one that is more complicated, but we have another test today,” Arteta said of the Spaniard.
Arsenal were without Leandro Trossard and William Saliba on Wednesday night due to injury.
Saliba has missed the last two games after picking up a knock in training last Saturday. Trossard, meanwhile, has not played since coming off against Bayern Munich 10 days ago with a calf problem.
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Arteta had hinted earlier this week that Saliba and Trossard could both return for the game at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.
The Arsenal manager had said how the pair were a “matter of days” away from making their comebacks.
Speaking on Friday morning, Arteta said again: “It is a matter of days with these two, for sure.”
More to follow