Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Declan Rice's injury, despite the midfielder withdrawing from England duty. Rice, along with Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, left the Three Lions camp early due to discomfort. England boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed the trio would be out for 'some days' but not dramatically.
Madueke suffered a knee injury during England's friendly last Friday and is expected to miss Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton. He is also a doubt for the Champions League clash against Sporting CP. Saka and Rice are also likely to be unavailable for the Southampton game, with Arteta facing a selection headache.
Defender Piero Hincapie, sent home from Ecuador duty, is also expected to miss the FA Cup tie, leaving Arteta sweating over the Sporting fixture and the Premier League match against Bournemouth. Martin Odegaard continues his recovery from a knee issue, with Norway boss Stale Solbakken reporting good progress but no return date.
Despite the injury setbacks, there was praise for Rice from Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who described their midfield partnership as 'really good' and highlighted Rice's supportive role behind the scenes. Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by nine points and remain in Champions League contention.
