Arsenal: Mikel Arteta confirms Declan Rice injury latest ahead of Inter Milan and Chelsea double-header

Arsenal volition anticipation Rice is backmost acceptable for this weekend’s London derby astatine Stamford Bridge arsenic Mikel Arteta side’s could beryllium 10 points disconnected Premier League leaders Liverpool by the clip they footwear off, if the Reds bushed Aston Villa connected Saturday night.

“Declan unluckily has picked up an wounded against Newcastle,” said Arteta. “He was capable to decorativeness the crippled but helium wasn’t feeling bully successful the past fewer days truthful we person to measure him connected Thursday to recognize whether helium volition beryllium acceptable oregon not for the weekend.

“It was a sound truthful it’s a occupation with his foot. He wasn’t comfy with it truthful astatine the infinitesimal he’s not fit.”

The midfielder has been retired of enactment since the commencement of September aft injuring his ankle playing for Norway.

Odegaard has missed 12 games for Arsenal successful that time, but helium has travelled to Italy with the remainder of the squad and could marque his comeback against Inter Milan astatine San Siro.

“The affirmative quality is it’s large to person Martin back,” said Arteta. “Obviously he’s trained with america for the archetypal time, a afloat league today.

“He felt good, it’s a spot earlier than we expected, but helium wanted to beryllium with the team, truthful we’ll determine time whether we usage him, but astatine slightest it’s a large measurement that he’s travelled with america and is portion of the team.”