Arsenal fans witnessed their worst nightmare against Brentford as Declan Rice was substituted due to injury.
Rice appeared to clutch his calf when he was escorted off the pitch by Arsenal’s physio, inducing fear around the Emirates.
The midfielder is completely irreplaceable in the Arsenal squad, making his early exit overshadow the crucial win.
Declan Rice limped off vs Brentford and it’s exposed Arsenal’s biggest problem…
Fortunately, there was some encouraging news post-match as Rice was seen walking without discomfort and now, another positive update has emerged.
Journalist Ryan Taylor has reported that Arsenal feel ‘optimistic’ that Rice has ‘avoided’ a calf injury.
The news is a huge relief, and follows an injury expert’s evaluation of Rice, suggesting that his injury was minor.
Declan Rice could return for Aston Villa, but it’s not the end of Arsenal’s problem
With a top-of-the-table clash against Aston Villa fast approaching, the update on the midfielder’s fitness is fantastic.
That being said, it’s not particularly a celebratory occasion, as Rice’s scare only emphasised how irreplaceable he is in the current squad.
Declan Rice has played more minutes than any other Arsenal outfield player this season! 🥵
Most Arsenal minutes played this season:
David Raya: 1,710
Declan Rice: 1,564
Martin Zubimendi: 1,519
Jurrien Timber: 1,488
Gabriel Magalhaes: 1,356
William Saliba: 1,265
How worried are you about Arsenal overworking Rice this season? Let us know your honest take in the comments… 🤔
Beyond Rice and Martin Zubimendi, Arteta’s options in central midfield are thin, with Christian Norgaard a considerable level below the pair.
It could be that the 26-year-old’s injury sparks Andrea Berta into some deep thinking with future transfer windows in mind, as Rice’s untouchable status isn’t all good news.
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