Arsenal sweat over ‘best player in the league’ after confirmed injury news

The England international’s superb performance helped Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0, with Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka scoring the goals.

But his absence would prove extremely detrimental for the Gunners, who lack a player capable of doing the same job.

Arsenal are hot favorites to win the Premier League this season but face one of their toughest tests yet on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta offers injury updates

Cristhian Mosquera was also injured against Brentford, with the defender landing awkwardly after winning a first-half header.

During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the 21-year-old was suffering from an ankle problem.

“This is the most complicated, but again we have another test today to see where we stand with them,” » said the Arsenal boss.

“We have to know, because the feeling we had after the match and yesterday, we have to corroborate it with what is happening with all the tests we are doing today.”

William Saliba and Leandro Trossard were also missing last week, with Arteta reluctant to rule either player out of Saturday’s game.

Of Rice, he said: “Well, let’s see. We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that we will decide which ones.”

‘Best in the league’ Declan Rice will be key against Aston Villa

Arsenal have already faced numerous injury problems this season, but the Gunners are yet to be tested without Rice.

Speaking about the midfielder, Stephen Warnock told WhichBookie: “I could choose from many members of the Arsenal squad when it comes to who I think has been the best this season, but Declan Rice has been exceptional..

“He’s the best player in the league at the moment. He’s been phenomenal this season and it suits him to play higher up the pitch.“

Rice’s presence will also be particularly important on Saturday, given the strength of Villa’s midfield.

Amadou Onana, John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara provide strong, powerful and technically superb figures for Unai Emery, while maestro Youri Tielemans can also be a big influence off the bench.

If Rice is unavailable, Arteta will likely opt for a midfield three of Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze – quite a physical mismatch.