Declan Rice is due to miss Arsenal’s key Premier League clash with Aston Villa with a suspected knee injury.
The England midfielder picked up the issue against Brighton earlier this week but was able to play the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ 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 Arsenal 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 Riccardo Calafiori remains out for Arsenal, having withdrawn from the squad to face Brighton during the warm-ups.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 Ben White and Jurrien Timber are also both still recovering, albeit 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 Premier League and anything can happen.
