Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Declan Rice.placeholder image
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Declan Rice. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta saw Declan Rice limp out of Arsenal action against Brentford on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was unable to complete the full 90 minutes against Brentford in midweek after picking up an injury and now Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the player ahead of this weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
The England international has featured in every Premier League game of the season so far for the Gunners but could miss out for the first time this term at Villa Park. Arsenal take on the Villains in the 12:30 pm kick off slot on Saturday.
Rice has been a linchpin in midfield for Arsenal with two goals and four assists in the league. The 26-year-old has been on the receiving end of much praise from fellow players and pundits.
Mikel Arteta provides Declan Rice injury update
Rice came off after 83 minutes against Brentford, having appeared to be clutching his calf prior to the substitution as he spoke with medical staff. Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “Obviously it’s never good news. Declan had to come off. We don’t know, we have to see tomorrow what he’s got.”
The midfielder had told reporters that he was ‘fine’ when leaving the Emirates Stadium and Arteta has now provided an update on the player’s injury in his pre-match press conference ahead of taking on Aston Villa.
Arteta said: "Let's see, we have another training session this afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players so after that we will decide who travels.”
Those words are not a huge clue for Arsenal supporters but do suggest that Rice could feature against Aston Villa. Arteta may also choose to rest the midfielder with another midweek fixture against Club Brugge next week to think about.
William Saliba and Leandro Trossard pushing for Gunners return
Arteta also confirmed that it would be ‘a matter of days’ before Leandro Trossard and William Saliba return for the Gunners while the problem picked up by Cristhian Mosquera against Brentford is ‘more complicated’ than first thought.
The Arsenal manager has lamented the quick turnaround between facing Chelsea on Sunday, Brentford on Wednesday and Aston Villa on Saturday but spoke about the chance to put pressure on rivals with an early win ahead of the weekend.
He said: "Every time you win a game obviously you are a little bit closer to your objective and it is the only thing we can do. We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow so we know the kind of game we are going to play and be ready to fulfil our potential."
In other news, Arsenal boost as Aston Villa risk being without injured World Cup winner this weekend.
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