Arsenal player ‘asked to be taken off’ vs Everton as injury woes continue for Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal’s struggles continued as the Gunners were forced to settle for a point against Everton.

After drawing 1-1 with Fulham, Arsenal failed to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points once again.

Mikel Arteta’s side drew 0-0 with Everton on a frustrating afternoon at the Emirates, seeing Arsenal fans show their frustration.

Already, the Gunners have surpassed the number of draws they recorded over the 2023/24 calendar, as the lacklustre Premier League campaign goes on. 

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Mikel Arteta confirms Declan Rice injury after Everton draw

It was a tedious afternoon for the Gunners, for more reasons than just the level of performance on show.

The Arsenal manager surprised many with his substitutions, particularly on the hour mark as he withdrew both Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. 

While Arteta explained that Odegaard was taken off for tactical reasons, there was a more alarming reason that Rice was hooked.

“He’s been with a little niggle for the last week or so and he asked to be taken off,” Arteta revealed to the media during his post-match press conference.

It seems as though it’s one in and one out at the moment in the Arsenal squad, with there a slight boost as Gabriel Magalhaes returned against Everton.

Rice played with a broken foot against Chelsea earlier in the season, which could indicate that he’s struggling with either a new or preexisting knock, one that prevented him from continuing.

Arsenal’s injury concerns continue

Rice being injured is the cherry on the cake for Arsenal, leaving the Emirates deflated after an uninspiring display. 

As per data relayed by BBC Sport, valid prior to the Everton game, the Gunners rank fourth in the Premier League table when it comes to injuries this season. 

Only Tottenham, Brighton and Ipswich have suffered more absences this campaign, telling of Arteta’s struggles to have his first team available.

Still, injuries don’t cause the lack of excitement that was evident on the pitch at the Emirates on matchday 16, with it clear that Arteta has a lot more than key absences to study.