Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared an update on Declan Rice and his condition heading into their crucial Premier League clash at Aston Villa this weekend.
Arsenal travel to Aston Villa as Arteta sweats over key men
Arsenal travel to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime with Arteta sweating over the availability of multiple key players following Wednesday night’s hard-fought victory over Brentford.
Gabriel Magalhaes remains sidelined with a thigh problem that has kept him out of recent fixtures, while William Saliba continues battling what Arteta described as a “very bizarre” injury that forced him to miss the last two matches.
The Arsenal manager suggested Saliba’s absence would only last “a matter of days,” raising hopes he could return for this crucial early kickoff against Unai Emery’s resurgent side.
Cristhian Mosquera’s situation, though, presents greater concern.
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The summer signing landed awkwardly on his ankle after an aerial duel against Brentford and couldn’t continue past halftime, requiring further assessment this week.
Arteta admitted Mosquera’s ankle issue represents the most complex problem facing his medical staff, describing it as “more complicated” than the other defensive doubts ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
“That’s the one that is more complicated,” Arteta said in his latest press conference.
“But again, we have another test today to see where we are with them.”
Leandro Trossard also remains doubtful after missing midweek with an unspecified muscular complaint.
Like Saliba, the Belgian winger should return within days according to Arteta’s latest briefing, though his participation against Villa hangs in the balance until today’s final training session provides clearer answers.
“It is a matter of days with those two, for sure,” Arteta continued.
“As I said before, after the training session we’ll know more.”
Kai Havertz will miss out completely as he continues his recovery from a knee problem, with no return anticipated for weeks.
The German’s absence could force Arsenal to continue relying on Mikel Merino in an unfamiliar striking role, as Viktor Gyokeres steadily works his way back to full fitness after his own recent injury.
Merino has surprisingly flourished with 21 goals this calendar year for club and country, becoming Arsenal’s unlikely top scorer in the process.
Mikel Arteta shares Declan Rice injury twist out of Arsenal
The greatest concern, however, surrounds Rice after he limped off late against Brentford with a calf problem.
Interestingly, the midfielder confirmed to Sky Sports that he was fine and ready to go against Villa, as pointed out by Fabrizio Romano.
However, there has now been a twist to the tale.
When asked about the £240,000-per-week star’s condition, Arteta explained that Rice is in fact a doubt to play against Villa.
Much like Saliba and Trossard, the player will be subject to a late fitness test.
“Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked if Rice will be available
” I think with all the questions I’m going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same. We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we’ll decide which ones [are available].”
This contradicts what Rice told Sky, with Arteta seemingly taking a cautious approach when it comes to his star midfielder.
The former West Ham captain has become Arsenal’s most indispensable player this season, anchoring their midfield with relentless energy and robustness that nobody else in Arteta’s squad can replicate.
His ability to break up opposition attacks, control possession and cover defensive gaps has proven crucial to Arsenal’s title challenge, making him one of the first names on the team sheet every week.
Not having Rice available for one of their toughest games of the festive period would be an almighty blow, with Arteta hoping he can in fact take part in the Midlands.
