Arsenal have received a boost over the fitness of Declan Rice after the midfielder limped off late in the 2-0 win over Brentford. The England international experienced calf discomfort but is believed to be suffering from fatigue rather than a serious injury.
Rice was substituted with seven minutes remaining after pointing to the back of his calf. However, he was able to walk around the pitch after the game and told Sky Sports News he was 'fine'. The 26-year-old will be assessed before Arsenal's light training session on Friday ahead of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.
Manager Mikel Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of defender Cristhian Mosquera, who was forced off against Brentford with an apparent ankle or knee problem. Arteta said: 'We have to wait and see. It's probably part of the knee or ankle, we don't know.'
William Saliba is another concern after picking up a knock in training before the Chelsea draw, while Leandro Trossard is recovering from a calf injury. Arsenal hope to have key players available for the crucial Premier League clash at Villa Park.
