Arsenal have been hit with a significant fitness blow ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown with Aston Villa, with midfielder Declan Rice expected to miss the match due to a knee injury sustained during the Gunners’ recent 2–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The England international, a central figure in Arsenal’s midfield this season, picked up the knock late in the Brighton game but managed to finish the match.
However, the club has opted not to risk him for the upcoming clash against Villa, prioritizing caution to avoid worsening the issue.
Rice’s absence comes at a pivotal point in the season as Arsenal sit at the top of the Premier League table and seek to maintain their title push.
His ability to control the midfield, break up opposition play, and transition attacks has been a key component of Mikel Arteta’s setup.
While the knee problem is not believed to be long-term, missing a match of this magnitude is a blow for Arsenal.
The club’s medical team will continue to monitor his recovery closely, hoping to have Rice back in contention soon.
Arteta may now need to reshuffle his midfield for the Villa contest, relying on squad depth to compensate for the loss of one of his most influential performers.
Fans will be watching closely for official team news ahead of kick-off to see who steps into the pivotal role in Rice’s absence.
