Alan Smith’s biggest Arsenal fear might have just come true against Brentford

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Arsenal secured a huge win over Brentford, beating them 2-0; however, Declan Rice was forced off with a calf injury, which will be a huge concern.

Rice has been one of the best players in Europe this season and is the one player the Gunners simply cannot afford to lose.

Mikel Arteta’s team are already without Gabriel and William Saliba; therefore, losing another stalwart in his team would be a massive blow.

Alan Smith has already spoken about why Arsenal cannot afford to lose the 26-year-old, and the season is very bleak for the North London club.

Declan Rice goes off injured against Brentford

Declan Rice was forced off with a calf injury against Brentford after 81 minutes, leaving Arsenal swearing over their midfielder’s availability.

The former West Ham star looked in quite some discomfort, grabbing the lower part of his leg before walking off the pitch gingerly.

The North London club have been so unlucky with injuries this season, having already been without Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and several others.

Although Arsenal’s improved squad depth has meant that their standards have not dipped despite losing key players.

But in the case of Rice, he has been one of their top performers this season, and they have minimal cover to replace him if he is set for a spell on the sidelines.

Alan Smith is worried about how Arsenal will replace Declan Rice

Smith admitted earlier today that Arsenal cannot afford to lose Rice to an injury, but that fear might have just come true against Brentford.

The former Gunners striker is concerned about how Arteta will approach replacing the midfielder, given his lack of midfield options.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Smith said: “He’s a beacon of light for the team, he sets standards in this league for an all-round midfielder.

“He’s so consistent now, he’s getting a 9/10 every game, and that’s this level that is some going.

“I think any Arsenal fan will look at him and hope he doesn’t get injured because the team need him. Every other position is catered for; they can replace lads who get injured. He hasn’t got a replacement.”