"We’ll assess him on Thursday" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides Declan Rice injury update ahead of derby against Chelsea

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on Declan Rice ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Inter Milan and Chelsea. The Gunners have struggled with multiple injuries this season, with the likes of Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka seeing spells on the sidelines. Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu have also suffered knee injuries this term.

Arsenal lost 1-0 against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 2, to tumble down the Premier League table to fifth. Declan Rice has started every league game this season except the win over Tottenham Hotspur as he was suspended.

While he played the full game against Newcastle, it was revealed that Rice would miss Arsenal's Champions League clash against Inter on Wednesday (November 6) as a precautionary measure to prevent long-term injuries.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed that Rice suffered a knock against Newcastle. The midfielder will not travel to Milan and could also miss Arsenal's clash against Chelsea this Sunday (November 10).

Arteta said (via Now Arsenal):

“Declan Rice unfortunately picked up an injury against Newcastle. He was able to finish the game but hasn’t been feeling well over the past few days. We’ll assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea.”

"It was a knock so it’s a problem with his foot. He wasn’t comfortable with it so at the moment he’s not fit."

Rice has contributed one goal and two assists in 13 appearances across competitions for the Gunners this season.

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Chelsea star Cole Palmer set to undergo injury scan ahead of Arsenal clash

Chelsea winger Cole Palmer is set to undergo a scan on his left knee after he endured a knock against Manchester United last Sunday (November 3).

The Blues drew 1-1 against the Red Devils at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Moises Caicedo saw the points shared between the English giants.

During stoppage time, Manchester United center-back Lisandro Martinez committed a poor foul on Palmer, striking the England international's legs with his boot. While he stayed on till the final whistle, Chelsea seem concerned over whether Palmer sustained an injury.

According to The Standard, the 22-year-old will attend a scan to assess his fitness ahead of Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Arsenal. The Blues are understood to be hopeful that Palmer will be fit for Sunday's showdown at Stamford Bridge.