Arsenal injury update: Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli return dates

IKEJA, Nigeria - Sept. 26, 2023 - PRLog -- Arsenal is suddenly dealing with a flurry of concerning injuries that could threaten to derail their title bid. Declan Rice was forced off at half-time of Sunday's thrilling but costly 2-2 north London derby draw with Tottenham. Bukayo Saka also went off late against Spurs, while Leandro Trossard was unable to deputise for the injured Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium due to his own issue.

With Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber also currently on the sidelines, Arsenal suddenly finds themselves in a worrying situation so early in the season that could well hinder their chances of domestic and European success under Mikel Arteta this term.

Declan Rice has instantly become an indispensable figure to Arsenal, but was replaced by Jorginho at half-time against Spurs. Manager Arteta revealed after the game that Rice had been complaining of a back problem during the first half of the derby and was unable to carry on after an assessment at the interval. It was also reported earlier this month that the England midfielder continues to manage a calf issue that has been bothering him since pre-season. "He had some discomfort in his back," Arteta said on Sunday. "He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable and when we assessed him at half-time, he could not continue, so we had to change him."

When asked if Rice could be facing a while on the sidelines, he added: "Hopefully not. We have to assess him. It's strange when a player like him asks to come off because he's uncomfortable. Hopefully not, but let's see."

A potential return date for Rice is unclear until Arsenal establishes the exact severity of his injury, but it seems extremely unlikely that he will play any part away at London rivals Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night. The Gunners travel to Bournemouth after that before a trip to Lens in the Champions League, with a huge showdown with Manchester City to come on October 8. Arsenal will be praying that he returns in time for that latter clash.

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