Relief for Arsenal after Declan Rice’s back injury is deemed not serious
Rice could play at weekend after being withdrawn against SpursHost of players likely to be rested for midweek Carabao Cup tie
Arsenal have been given a welcome lift with the news Declan Rice’s injury is not serious. The midfielder was withdrawn at half-time in Sunday’s draw with Tottenham but is understood to have experienced a back spasm and hopes to be back for the visit to Bournemouth on Saturday.
It will be a relief for Mikel Arteta, who admitted it was “strange” to see a player of Rice’s robustness have to be substituted. His replacement, Jorginho, made the error that led to Son Heung-min’s equaliser, but Rice should now have the chance to build on his impressive start to the campaign since arriving from West Ham.