EPL: Why I dropped Declan Rice for Arsenal vs Aston Villa – Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why Declan Rice is not included in his matchday squad for the visit of Aston Villa.

Rice, who started at right-back in the 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday, injured his knee during the game.

The England midfielder is yet to recover from the knock and will miss the top-of-the-table clash against Villa.

“Declan got a big kick in his knee at the start of the [Brighton] match. The game was too early for him to be able to consider,” Arteta said.

“Short-term? We think so. We’re hopeful when the swelling comes down and he can start to function, he will be fine.”

Arteta has opted for a midfield three of Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino for the match.

Jurrien Timber returns to take his place at right-back.