Arsenal have received a significant boost with the news that midfielder Declan Rice is expected to be fit for this weekend's pivotal Premier League trip to Aston Villa.
Rice Escapes Serious Injury Scare
The England international, a linchpin in Mikel Arteta's side, was forced off late in the Gunners' 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night. Rice was seen pointing to the back of his calf after hitting the deck, sparking immediate concern.
However, internal confidence at the club is high that the 26-year-old was merely suffering from fatigue following another all-action performance in the engine room. The player himself was able to walk around the Emirates Stadium post-match to applaud supporters and later told Sky Sports News he was "fine".
He will still undergo assessment ahead of Arsenal's final training session on Friday, but the initial signs are positive for the table-toppers.
Defensive Concerns for Arteta
While the Rice update is welcome, manager Mikel Arteta faces an anxious wait on the fitness of several other key players. Centre-back Cristhian Mosquera also limped off against Brentford after an awkward landing.
Arteta revealed post-match that it was unclear whether the Spain U21 defender had sustained an ankle or knee problem. "We have to wait and see," Arteta said. "It's probably part of the knee or ankle, we don't know. He could not really tell us exactly how it was but he wasn't able to continue."
There is also a major doubt over first-choice defender William Saliba. The Frenchman, who missed the Chelsea draw with a knock, has not yet returned to training and was seen shaking his head as Mosquera left the pitch.
Villa Park Test Awaits
Arsenal's light session on Friday will be crucial in determining their available squad for the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Villa Park. The match is a key test in the title race, with Arteta's men looking to maintain their five-point lead at the summit.
Further updates are also awaited on forward Leandro Trossard, who is on the comeback trail from a calf injury, while defender Piero Hincapie completed the Brentford game despite a nasty head clash.
All eyes will now be on the club's medical team as Arsenal prepare for a demanding fixture that could significantly shape their Premier League campaign.
