Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has avoided serious injury after being forced off on Sunday.
The England international, 24, was withdrawn at half-time of the 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur after reporting discomfort in his back.
Rice had played virtually every minute of the season so far following his £105million move from West Ham United earlier this summer.
He asked to be taken off at the break against Spurs, however, with Arsenal going on to drop points for only the second time this term.
“He had some discomfort in his back,” manager Mikel Arteta said after the game. “We have to assess him. It’s strange when a player like him asks to come off because he’s uncomfortable. Hopefully it’s not (long term).”
Tests have confirmed that while Rice is still in discomfort, it is not serious and he will continue to be assessed and treated in coming days.
Leandro Trossard also missed the north London derby with a slight muscle issue and is set for more tests but is expected to be in contention for the weekend. Gabriel Martinelli, who went off against Everton with a hamstring injury, is still undergoing treatment.
Bukayo Saka took a knock to his foot against Spurs but it also isn’t thought to be serious while Thomas Partey continues to be sidelined with a groin injury but is progressing well in his recovery.
Jurrien Timber, who also joined the club in the summer window, remains out for an extended period after picking up a serious knee injury in the opening game of the season.
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League table.
They return to action against Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before a trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
GO DEEPER
Without Declan Rice, Arsenal’s lack of physicality in midfield hurt them against Spurs
(Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
