Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is set to miss their Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday night after picking up an injury, according to The Athletic.
Rice has undoubtedly been one of the stars of the Premier League this season, playing a crucial role in helping the Gunners remain at the top of the table. He showed his incredible versatility at the weekend, slotting in at right-back as the north London club secured a 2-1 victory over Brighton at home.
There's a strong chance Rice would have returned to the midfield if either Jurrien Timber or Ben White make a return, and with it being such an important game against Aston Villa, it's set to be a huge blow for the Gunners.
Declan Rice Out Injured for Arsenal
Declan Rice
Declan Rice
According to The Athletic, Arsenal midfielder Rice is set to miss the game against Aston Villa due to injury. The Gunners star is to be left out to avoid the risk of aggravating the issue, while the full prognosis is not yet clear. It's expected to be a short-term absence, but Arsenal are waiting to discover the full extent of the injury.
Rice, described as 'the best player in the league' by Stephen Warnock, picked up a knee injury against Brighton at the weekend after starting at right-back, and he was substituted during the game. It's hoped that Jurrien Timber will be fit enough to return to action in order to replace him in the defence, but it's unclear whether he's going to be fit enough.
Villa are breathing down Arsenal's neck in the Premier League title race at the moment, and a win for Unai Emery's side would take them level on points at the top of the table.
Rice's Fitness Could be Key in Title Race
declan rice
It only appears to be a short-term issue for Rice, but if the England international were to pick up a serious injury problem, it could be the difference between Arsenal lifting the Premier League title or not. The former West Ham United midfielder is absolutely crucial for the Gunners, and they don't have a like-for-like replacement, nor a player capable of producing what he does at both ends of the pitch.