Mikel Arteta gives Declan Rice injury update after Arsenal blow vs Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta has provided a Declan Rice injury update after he was left out of Arsenal's squad to face Aston Villa. The Athletic had earlier claimed he suffered a knee issue against Brighton and in order to not aggravate the problem, would miss the visit of Villa with the Gunners boss now explaining the decision.

He told Sky Sports: "Declan got a big kick in his knee at the start of the match [vs Brighton] actually and it had a massive swell up, so this game was too early for him.

Arteta added: "I hope so [he will not miss much action]. Once the swelling comes down he can start to function and he will be fine."

Still images from last weekend's victory prove Arteta's words to be true with Rice captured flagging to the bench just past the hour-mark that he was struggling.

Rice missing out is a hugely significant blow for Arsenal against Villa with Riccardo Calafiori's continued absence another issue.

He said on the latter: "It's something that he felt yesterday [Friday], something very awkward that happened, and today in the warm-up he wasn't comfortable."

Arteta has however, at least been handed some positive news with Jurrien Timber back in the starting XI after missing the win over Brighton.

He joins Gabriel Magalhaes in the back four after his return to the fold off the bench this past weekend having missed the last six weeks with injury.

Ben White and Kai Havertz have also returned to the matchday squad after very different spells out of the team.

As for Villa, Unai Emery is without Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara due to suspension, while Pau Torres remains unavailable due to injury.

Lamare Bogarde has subsequently come in at right-back with Amadou Onana in midfield alongside Youri Tielemans, who will drop into a deeper role.

Given the swift turnaround, a number of changes have been made including starts for Jadon Sancho, Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins after his two goals off the bench against Chelsea.

The Gunners will be keen to open up a six-point gap on Villa ahead of a trip to Bournemouth, who could be without Antoine Semenyo, this weekend.

Following that, Arsenal face Liverpool, Portsmouth, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Inter, Manchester United, Kairat and Leeds United across three different competitions.