Catch all the latest Arsenal news, including updates on Declan Rice’s injury, Raheem Sterling minutes and Bukayo Saka praise.
Mikel Arteta confirms Declan Rice injury concern
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed a fresh injury concern for midfielder Declan Rice after his side’s 0-0 draw with Everton on Saturday.
The Gunners were frustrated by the Toffees, who came to the Emirates Stadium to shut out the home side for 90 minutes.
While Jordan Pickford had to pull out a few big saves, on the whole, it was a far-from-inspiring performance from Arsenal.
Some of that could be due to injury issues, which appear to have only gotten worse for Arteta after the match.
Speaking about Rice’s substitution and the reason behind it against Everton, the manager said to the media: “He’s been with a little niggle for the last week or so and he asked to be taken off.”
It would take a lot for a player like Rice to ask for a withdrawal, putting doubt on his place in the Carabao Cup squad on Wednesday night against Crystal Palace.
Read more on Declan Rice’s injury, here.
Why Raheem Sterling has struggled for Arsenal game time
When making the move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day back in the summer, Raheem Sterling’s loan move had all the makings of a decent deal.
With the forward struggling for game time at Chelsea, coming to the Gunners to feature under a manager he had worked with before seemed a decent move.
However, with very little opportunity so far, there have been questions over the lack of chances given by Arteta.
When speaking about that, he told the press: “It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more.
“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries.
“It’s not tactical reasons. I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way.
“He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play. He had this very important role, impacting every game, and suddenly you are in this position for a while. Not just here but at Chelsea as well.
“So it’s always very difficult and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment. Hopefully, we can change it.”
Read more on Raheem Stelring snub, here.
Gary Lineker blown away by Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka’s consistency for Arsenal over the past few months has been nothing short of frightening, given the stage of his career.
The forward is scoring and assisting on an almost weekly basis, something that has made him stand out as a threat in every game.
It’s something Gary Lineker and Micah Richards were enthralled by when discussing him on The Rest is Football podcast.
“Consistent, isn’t he? How many times have you said it, Al (Shearer)? He’s so good!
“It’s hard to explain. A lot of people like Cole Palmer, they do things that are different, but Saka does the basics very well. Good energy, work rate, and he’s consistent. He’s a player, man, he’s a top, top player.”
Lineker replied: “He’s absolutely a top player. The way he goes… he just makes beating defenders look very easy. He can go both ways…”
Richards interrupted and said: “But it’s just the drop of the shoulder.”
Lineker added: “That’s all it is, they (defenders) can’t cope with him.”
It shows just how good the Hale End academy graduate already is, with the frightening fact that he isn’t even at the peak of his career yet.
Read more on Bukayo Saka praise, here.
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