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 he will not be ready.  

The knee issue is not considered serious, but Arsenal want to avoid making the situation worse. 

Jurrien Timber should be fit to start at right-back against Villa. Ben White is also pushing to be involved and is ahead of schedule in his return from a hamstring issue. 

Rice has been a key player for Arsenal this season. He has started 17 Premier League fixtures, bagging two goals and four assists. 

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

Arsenal can strengthen their grip at the summit with victory in Tuesday’s home fixture. A defeat would allow Villa to move level with them at the top of the standings.

Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore.