Arsenal secured a 2-0 home win over Everton on Saturday to trim Manchester City's lead at the top of the Premier League, but the victory was overshadowed by fresh fitness concerns. Declan Rice appeared to reach for his hamstring and squat on the pitch before walking gingerly, moments before being substituted with around 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
Rice's substitution raises alarm
The England midfielder started alongside Mikel Merino and dominated the game from the centre of the park before Martin Zubimendi replaced him. While some viewed the change as routine, supporters spotted Rice's discomfort in the build-up, prompting fears of a muscular issue rather than mere fatigue.
Arteta has already been without William Saliba this season due to a back injury that flared up at the World Cup, while Bukayo Saka pulled up early during Wednesday's 3-3 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich. Riccardo Calafiori also raised concerns when he appeared to be struggling late on against Everton, having come on as a 68th-minute substitute for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Italian full-back was seen playing upfront in the closing stages, with Noni Madueke filling in at left-back during eight minutes of stoppage time. Arteta confirmed after the match that Calafiori had a "slight issue," though he noted it appeared to be something "very small."
Arsenal tracking Brighton's Kostoulas
Football Insider report that Arsenal are closely monitoring Brighton's Charalampos Kostoulas with a view to signing the 19-year-old. The forward has enjoyed a productive start to the season, racking up five goals and three assists across 10 appearances overall.
Brighton are unlikely to part with the marksman, who only joined last summer in a £30million move from Olympiakos. Former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur scout Brian King believes the Gunners could test their resolve.
"Obviously, a lot of the plaudits went onto [Diego] Gomez for his wondergoal but again, another interesting player. Brighton go out and recruit them," King said. "They make their name with Brighton, and he's made his name quite quickly with Brighton, Kostoulas. People are obviously going to be looking at him as they've looked at all their players."
King added: "It could be another big money move, and more pound notes in the pot for Brighton. I'm sure Arsenal have already looked at him. From what I'm told they're looking at him on the games he plays now. It's going to be very, very interesting to see how his future pans out."
Arsenal's attacking options on the flanks are currently limited to Madueke and Eberechi Eze, with Christos Tzolis still working his way back from a hamstring injury picked up while representing Greece in the Nations League. Rice's potential absence would leave Arteta with Bruno Guimaraes and Max Dowman as central midfield cover, though the 27-year-old's all-round contribution would be missed.
