Journalist provides Declan Rice fitness update ahead of Arsenal's clash against Nottingham Forest

Journalist Charles Watts has provided an update on Arsenal star Declan Rice's injury. He expects the Englishman to be fit to face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23.

Rice was subbed off in the 71st minute in the Gunners' 1-1 draw at Chelsea in their last game before the international break. A toe injury saw him stay with the club and not travel with England for their UEFA Nations League fixtures this month. Providing an update on the midfielder, journalist Charles Watts said (via TBR Football):

“I wanted to start on the midfield because I think it’s really interesting what Mikel Arteta may well potentially do or the options he has to pick from going into this weekend’s game.

“Now, of course a lot of this revolves around whether Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, I suppose, but more specifically Declan Rice is fit enough to start this game. Didn’t finish the game against Chelsea obviously with that toe injury, didn’t play for England… but the expectation is he should be okay for this weekend, so hopefully that will be the case.”

Rice has made 14 appearances for Arsenal across competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

---

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard explains his decision to skip international duty amidst injury concerns

Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway back in September. He only returned to action earlier this month and played the entire 90 minutes in Arsenal's draw against Chelsea, also providing an assist.

Odegaard was included in Norway's squad for their UEFA Nations League games this month but he opted out. Explaining his decision, the former Real Madrid man said (via Mirror):

“I got through the match at the weekend [vs Chelsea ], but it was a rather abrupt transition from the last nine weeks. In this kind of process, you don’t just go from being injured to suddenly being completely healthy. You tend to have a reaction to what happens, and then it’s about how you react to it. Together with the NFF’s medical team, we’ve looked at it and agreed that it’s better for me to go back and make a full recovery.

He added:

“We have had an open and nice discussion. I have been talking to Ståle ever since I was injured, and of course more intensively in recent weeks. This is not about what Arsenal has said, or what Ståle has said. It’s about what my situation is.

"Yes [it’s my choice], but in consultation with the medical team here [in Norway]. This is something we agree on, but ultimately it is me who has made the choice based on what I know the body needs.”

Norway comfortably beat Slovenia (4-1) and Kazakhstan (5-0) in Odegaard's absence in the Nations League.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are fourth in the Premier League with no wins in their last four league games. They will hope the return of their captain can help them overturn this form.