Table-topping Arsenal look set to be without key midfielder Declan Rice as they take on Premier League title rivals Aston Villa on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium
Declan Rice
Declan Rice looks set to be ruled out vs Aston Villa
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Image: Getty Images)
Declan Rice is due to miss Arsenal's key Premier League clash with with a suspected knee injury.
The England midfielder picked up the issue against earlier this week but was able to play the full 90 minutes in the Gunner's 2-1 victory. But it appears that Rice has now succumbed to the injury and is now expected to be sidelined for Tuesday evening's showdown at the Emirates, as per The Athletic.
It is thought that Rice's issue is only a short-term one and there is hope that he can return to action before too long but have decided to not risk the midfielder against Villa.
Nevertheless, his absence comes at a tricky time for Mikel Arteta's side, who are already struggling with defensive problems. Riccardo Calafiori remains out for Arsenal, having withdrawn from the squad to face Brighton during the warm-ups.
Fellow defenders and Jurrien Timber are also both still recovering but the pair are pushing for inclusion. Cristhian Mosquera, Kai Havertz and Max Dowman all remain restricted to the sidelines.
Speaking about his side's mounting injuries, Arsenal boss Arteta said: "Yes, because as well there are injuries with Jurrien, he landed awkwardly and there's something with Richy as well, very, very strange. But you speak to Declan and tell him he needs to play there as a right winger and he said, OK, I'm up for the challenge, I'm going to do my best, and the attitude is great to witness."
He added: No, it's something that we have prepared because we know that it can happen [Calafiori's injury]. When I give the line-up, I always tell the boys and the day before is, be ready because this is football, this is the and anything can happen.
"Somebody can get a bug and an hour later he cannot play and you have to be in the right mental frame to be able to perform immediately and don't go through that disappointment and that's what the players are doing."
While Arsenal have their own problems to deal with, the same could certainly be said of Villa. Both Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are out through suspension.
Arsenal could potentially extend their lead at the top of the table to five points over with victory. But a Villa win would see the two sides end the day level on points.
City are not in action until New Year's Day, with Pep Guardiola's side facing a trip to newly-promoted .
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
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