Arsenal’s Declan Rice knee injury only short term – Mikel Arteta

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said Declan Rice‘s knee injury is a short-term issue, although he missed Tuesday’s top-of-the-table win against Aston Villa.

Rice has been a huge part of Arsenal’s positive start to the Premier League season, but they won 4-1 without him in the crucial game against Villa.

After the game, Arteta said of Rice’s availability in the coming days: “Depends, so that swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function. He wasn’t able to do that today yet, he’s improving, but let’s see what happens in the next couple of days.”

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When asked if the injury was relatively minor, Arteta said prior to the match: “I think so. I hope that when the swelling comes out he can function [and] he will be fine. We miss Riccy [Calafiori] as well today.”

Arsenal started with a midfield three of Martin Odegaard, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in Rice’s absence.

Christian Norgaard came on for Merino into Arsenal’s midfield trio.

Zubimendi scored the second goal for Arsenal in the 52nd minute. Arsenal are five points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the Premier League but have played one game more.

They next play away at Bournemouth on Saturday.