Arsenal's Mikel Arteta issues Declan Rice injury update following 4-1 win over Aston Villa

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :December 31, 2025 at 7:33 PM

Modified at :December 31, 2025 at 7:34 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Rice has missed only two games this season.

Mikel Arteta addressed Declan Rice’s injury and told reporters that he will have to wait to see the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, Arsenal continued their winning momentum after dispatching Aston Villa 4-1.

Despite Rice’s absence, the Gunners ran riot and dismantled Villa to remain at the top of the table. They will now go in next year as the league leaders and will hope to continue their title charge until the end of the campaign.

The England midfielder missed Tuesday’s 4-1 hammering of Aston Villa due to a knee issue. Now, the Arsenal manager is doubtful if Rice will be available for Saturday’s Premier League trip to face AFC Bournemouth.

Mikel Arteta speaks on Declan Rice’s injury

Mikel Arteta Premier League — LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Despite being in the squad for the Villa match, Declan Rice did not appear on the bench after experiencing a problem during Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Brighton. When Arteta was asked about the player’s availability for the Bournemouth game, the coach responded:

“It depends, so that the swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function.

“He wasn’t able to do that yet, he’s improving. Let’s see what happens in the next couple of days.”

Declan Rice, a midfielder who cost Arsenal £105 million from West Ham, had only missed one game this season until Villa’s crushing defeat: a UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge.

Martin Odegaard, the captain, was back to his best, which gave Arteta a boost even though the team missed Rice.

Arteta, whose club lead the Premier League by five points to begin 2026, continued: “He needed some consistency, as well.”

“Obviously, he had a shoulder injury on two occasions, then he had a big knee injury, and that takes a little bit of time.”

Will Declan Rice play against Bournemouth?

Arteta has not confirmed yet if he will play against them.

Which injury has Rice suffered?

He has sustained a knee injury.

Where do Arsenal stand in the table?

They are first in the Premier League table with 45 points.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.