Mikel Arteta reveals Declan Rice injury latest in new four-man Arsenal update | OneFootball

Gunners boss also offers news on William Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Cristhian Mosquera ahead of Aston Villa test

Mikel Arteta does not yet know if Declan Rice will be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The midfielder was struggling with a calf issue and had to be substituted with seven minutes to go.

Rice told Sky Sports News after the game that he was “fine” - though Arteta has not confirmed if he will be ready for a tough visit to Villa Park this weekend.

The Arsenal boss said on Friday: “Well, let’s see. I think with all the questions I am going to get, the answer unfortunately is going to be the same.

Cristhian Mosquera was also forced off against Brentford. The defender landed awkwardly in the first half when challenging for a header and it has now been confirmed that he is dealing with an ankle issue. He is a major doubt to face Villa.

Cristhian Mosquera also limped out of Arsenal’s win over Brentford

REUTERS

“That is the one that is more complicated. But, again, we have another test today to see where we are with him,” Arteta said on his fellow Spaniard.

Asked if Mosquera’s injury could be serious, Arteta replied: “No. We need to know, because the feeling that we had after the game and yesterday, we need to corroborate with what happens with other testing that we do today.”

Arsenal were without Leandro Trossard and William Saliba on Wednesday night due to injury.

Saliba has missed the last two games after picking up a knock in training last Saturday. Trossard, meanwhile, has not played since coming off against Bayern Munich 10 days ago with a calf problem.

Arteta had hinted earlier this week that Saliba and Trossard could both return for the game at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.

The Arsenal manager had said how the pair were a “matter of days” away from making their comebacks.

Speaking on Friday morning, Arteta said: “It is a matter of days with those two, for sure. After the training session, we will know more.”

If Saliba and Mosquera were both to miss out against Villa, Arteta would be forced into another defensive reshuffle with Gabriel still facing “weeks” out with a thigh injury.