Mikel Arteta handed major injury boost as key Arsenal star now available v Forest

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Arsenal were handed a major injury scare as Declan Rice was substituted against Crystal Palace with what appeared to be a hamstring knock.

The midfielder was replaced by Jorginho in the second half, and was spotted telling his teammates on the bench that he had picked up a problem with his hamstring which forced his exit from the pitch.

Jorginho came on and was outstanding as he provided an assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s second injury-time goal, but losing Rice to injury would have still been a huge problem for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are set to face Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the next two games, and the England star will be a necessary component of the team in both games as the Gunners aim to build upon their 5-0 win over Palace.

Declan Rice set to be available for Nottingham Forest clash

A report from the Daily Mail has now revealed that initial concern over Rice was over potential muscle tightness, but there is now “growing confidence” that the 24-year-old has come through unscathed.

He is now expected to be fit for next Tuesday’s clash at the City Ground, which is set to be a tough test for Arsenal despite Forest’s precarious position in the Premier League table.

Arsenal have lost their last two trips to face Forest, as they fell to 1-0 defeats in an FA Cup tie in 2022 and towards the end of last season, with the result confirming Manchester City as Premier League Champions.

Declan Rice will be crucial for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal have lost twice in a row at Forest, but they did not have Rice in midfield during either of those defeats.

In what will be a hostile atmosphere against a team fighting in a relegation battle, Rice will be crucial to any chances of victory for Arteta’s side.

He could even line up alongside Jorginho to add more balance and composure in midfield, with the pair playing well together in a pivot despite Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup.

Rice has been a standout performer in some of Arsenal’s tough away games this season, with excellent displays against the likes of Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Liverpool highlighting why the club decided to spend a record fee on him.

If Arsenal are to claw their way back into the title race, they will have to win against Forest and earn a positive result against Liverpool. If Rice was to miss both games, then the task would have been a lot more difficult.