Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a crucial update on the fitness of star midfielder Declan Rice ahead of this weekend's pivotal Premier League encounter with Aston Villa.
Arteta's Cautious Update on Midfield Linchpin
The England international, who has been ever-present in the league this season, was forced off in the 83rd minute of Wednesday's match against Brentford. Rice was seen clutching his calf and consulting with medical staff before his substitution, casting immediate doubt over his availability for the trip to Villa Park.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta offered a measured assessment. "Let's see, we have another training session this afternoon," the Gunners' boss stated. "Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players so after that we will decide who travels."
This follows his initial post-Brentford comments where he admitted, "Obviously it’s never good news. Declan had to come off. We don’t know, we have to see tomorrow what he’s got." Despite Rice himself telling reporters he was 'fine' when leaving the Emirates Stadium, the club is taking a prudent approach.
Potential Squad Boost and Fixture Congestion
Arteta's update, while not definitive, leaves the door open for Rice to feature in the Saturday 12:30 pm kick-off. However, the manager must balance this decision with another midweek fixture, as Arsenal are set to face Club Brugge in the Champions League.
In more positive news for Arsenal supporters, Arteta confirmed that defender William Saliba and forward Leandro Trossard are nearing a return. The manager indicated it would be 'a matter of days' before both players are back in contention. Conversely, the issue sustained by Cristhian Mosquera against Brentford is described as 'more complicated' than initially feared.
Arteta lamented the demanding schedule of facing Chelsea, Brentford, and Aston Villa in quick succession but emphasised the opportunity at hand. "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," he said, highlighting the chance to put pressure on league rivals with an early Saturday victory.
Significance of Rice's Potential Absence
Losing Declan Rice would be a significant blow for Arsenal. The 26-year-old has been a foundational figure in midfield this term, contributing two goals and four assists in the Premier League. His consistent performances have drawn widespread praise from peers and pundits alike, making him one of the first names on Arteta's team sheet.
His potential absence at Villa Park would mark the first league game he has missed this season, testing Arsenal's squad depth in a vital away fixture. The coming hours, culminating in Friday's training session, will be critical in determining his fate for the weekend.
