Declan Rice is set to miss Arsenal's Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday evening after sustaining a knee injury. The England midfielder played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Brighton earlier this week but has been ruled out of the fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that Rice's issue is only short-term and there is hope he will return to action soon. However, the club have decided not to risk the midfielder against Villa. Rice's absence adds to Arsenal's defensive problems, with Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Jurrien Timber all sidelined. Cristhian Mosquera, Kai Havertz and Max Dowman are also unavailable.
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.'
Aston Villa also have selection issues, with Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara suspended. A victory for Arsenal would extend their lead at the top of the table to five points over Manchester City, who are not in action until New Year's Day when they visit Sunderland. A win for Villa would leave the two sides level on points.
