Arsenal star Declan Rice likely to miss Aston Villa clash due to knee injury | OneFootball

Declan Rice is likely to miss Arsenal’s home clash with Aston Villa on Tuesday night due to a knee injury, per The Athletic.  

The 26-year-old picked up the issue during the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. 

Rice was expected to recover in time for the Villa match, but it appears he will not be ready.  

The knee issue is not thought to be serious, but the staff clearly desire to avoid making the situation worse. 

Arsenal are hopeful that Jurrien Timber will be fit to start at right-back against Villa. 

Ben White is also pushing to be involved in the game and is ahead of schedule in his return from a hamstring issue. 

Rice has been the most important player for Arsenal this season. 

Mainly operating as a central and defensive midfielder, he has started 17 Premier League fixtures, scoring two and assisting four goals in the process. 

Rice has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 4.9 ball recoveries and 2.2 clearances per game. 

His absence will be a big blow for Arsenal ahead of their crucial game with Villa. 

Mikel Arteta’s men can strengthen their grip at the summit with victory in Tuesday’s home fixture. 

But at the same time, a defeat would be disastrous for the North Londoners as Villa would move level with them and also allow Manchester City to overtake them in the league standings. 

Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore