Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-0 win over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium last night, but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is worried about the fitness of more key players. Arsenal came into yesterday’s game without Gabriel Magalath and William Saliba injured, while Christian Mosquera was forced off in the first half against the Bees after appearing to land awkwardly after a header. Gunners midfielder Declan Rice was also injured and had to come off after the 83rd minute, returning to the pitch after the final whistle with ice strapped to his calf.
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However, the Arsenal star played down concerns about his fitness after the game, telling Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill that he is fine and will be available when the north London club travel to the Midlands to face Aston Villa on Saturday. Rice was able to walk normally last night, but further tests will be conducted today to determine the extent of his injury. He feels good after the initial blow and will face Villa regardless, but the Gunners won’t risk him if he’s not fit enough.
Villa have been a problem for Arsenal in recent meetings, with just one win in their last four league games. Villa have already recorded two wins and a draw and are keen to prove themselves again this weekend, with just six points separating them from the league leaders after 14 games. In the 2023-24 season, Arsenal lost to Villa at home and away and ultimately lost the league championship. In the end, they trailed the eventual champion Manchester City by two points. Arteta and his men will be wary of the threat posed by Emery and his players, and he can work with his key players in such an important game.
