Declan Rice will miss Arsenal’s clash against Aston Villa, but he could also be joined by Riccardo Calafiori on the sidelines.
The 26-year-old suffered a knee injury during the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion and will not be risked against Villa.
Fill in the blank: I blame ___________________ for Declan Rice’s latest injury!
It is a huge blow for Mikel Arteta’s team, who are facing an Aston Villa side who are aiming for a 12th consecutive win in the Premier League.
Rice has played a lot of football this season as the North London club are short in midfield, not to mention his sheer importance to the team.
Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori could miss Aston Villa match
Declan Rice will not be risked for Arsenal’s clash against Aston Villa in the Premier League due to a knee injury, according to The Athletic.
The midfielder is not believed to have picked up a serious issue, but the Gunners are not taking any risks by fielding him again against Unai Emery’s team.
Rice impressed at right-back against Brighton, but during the nervy 2-1 win, he sustained a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Gunnerblog add that Calafiori remains a doubt for the match, with the Italian having withdrawn from the warm-up on the weekend.
Fill in the blanks: Mikel Arteta’s midfield three vs Aston Villa should be ____________ + ____________ + ____________
How should the Gunners replace Rice?
Fortunately, Myles Lewis-Skelly is a more than suitable replacement for the 23-year-old to come in, just like he did on the weekend.
Jurrien Timber is pushing to be part of the squad, along with Kai Havertz and Ben White, in what would be a much-welcomed boost for Arteta.
The Spanish coach will desperately need one of Timber or White available tonight to avoid having to find another makeshift solution at right-back.
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