Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice suffered a back injury during the North London derby draw with Tottenham as Arsenal’s injury problems continue to mount.
Rice’s half-time replacement, Jorginho, was at fault for Spurs’ equaliser in a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates.
“He had a back injury,” Arteta said of Rice. “He was really uncomfortable during the match, we had to take him out.
“We have to assess him. It’s strange for someone like him to come off.”
Already missing Jurrien Timber to a long-term knee problem, Arsenal are also currently without Thomas Partey and had lost Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to injuries this week before Rice was forced to withdraw.
“Today, we missed five big players. We gave an opportunity to everyone, we have games every three injuries now.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham
Arsenal, who are now four points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table, travel to Brentford in midweek for a Carabao Cup tie before playing at Bournemouth next week. After a Champions League game at Lens, their final match before the international break will be a clash with City at the Emirates.
“We feel like we lost two points,” said Arteta. “We conceded two really, really poor goals. But mistakes are part of football, you have to live with it.”
More to follow…