Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a concerning update on the fitness of midfield linchpin Declan Rice, admitting the England star is a major doubt for this weekend's Premier League fixture.
Knee issue sidelines key midfielder
Rice was a late absentee from Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. The influential midfielder is nursing a knee injury sustained during the recent match against Brighton, despite completing the full 90 minutes in that contest.
Arteta revealed that significant swelling around the joint is the primary concern and must subside before Rice can be considered for a return to action. "It depends," the Gunners boss stated. "The swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function. He wasn't able to do that today yet. He's improving but let's see what happens in the next couple of days."
Squad depth tested as fixtures pile up
While Rice's potential absence for the trip to face Bournemouth on Saturday is a blow, Arsenal's impressive performance without him demonstrated their strengthened squad depth. The summer signings of Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, former teammates at Real Sociedad, proved crucial as they partnered effectively in the engine room against Villa.
Zubimendi capped his display with a well-taken goal, Arsenal's second, following a precise pass from captain Martin Odegaard. This display of collective strength underscores Arteta's message that every player must be ready to contribute during a relentless schedule.
"We’re playing every two-and-a-half days, the schedule is very, very demanding," Arteta explained. "We have some very tough matches and injuries but the players are still winning, so winning helps all that."
Title momentum continues despite setback
The victory over Villa, which avenged a defeat earlier in December, allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League. Arteta praised his team's resilience and focus, acknowledging the satisfying end to the calendar year but immediately turning attention to the next challenge.
"It's a great way to end the year, that's for sure," he said, "and tomorrow we’ll have a good night with our families, but then the next day we are in and we have to go to Bournemouth, and we know what that means."
All eyes will now be on Rice's recovery in the coming days, with Arsenal hoping their key man can return swiftly to maintain their push for the title.
