Arsenal's best player likely to miss pivotal Aston Villa clash

Arsenal are likely to be without one of their best players as they take on Aston Villa in a crucial title clash this evening.

The Athletic reported earlier today that Declan Rice is expected to miss the game after he picked up a knee injury in Saturday's 2-1 win over Brighton.

Despite being able to play on against the Seagulls, the midfielder is unlikely to have recovered enough to start against the Villains tonight, leaving his side with yet another devastating fitness blow.

Declan Rice expected to miss Aston Villa clash

Rice is now another addition to Arsenal's growing injury list after both Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori missed the victory over Brighton.

The Dutchman was unavailable after he picked up a knock in the midweek Carabao Cup encounter with Crystal Palace with his absence meaning Rice started the contest with the Seagulls at right back.

Calafiori dropped out against Brighton at the last moment as he fell to a slight injury he suffered in training a day prior. Myles Lewis-Skelly was brought into the starting XI to take the Italian's place at left back.

The midfielder's new fitness issue will be another massive blow to Mikel Arteta and his Gunners side as they continue to tackle several injuries while also trying to maintain their title charge with Manchester City and Villa hot on their tails.

Rice's absence will be countered by the potential return of both Timber and Ben White. The Netherlands international is possibly ready to make his comeback while White is also pushing to return after a spell out with a hamstring issue.

While both right back options could make their respective returns this evening, it is unlikely Arteta will be willing to rush either of them straight back into action, meaning there will still be a gap on the right side of defence.

The Spaniard may have to get creative with his selection process with Christian Nørgaard the most likely option to fill in with his experience and versatility standing out above many of his teammates.

Even if Timber or White do take up the right back spot, Arsenal will certainly have an even bigger task on their hands as they look to overcome a side that has caused their title challenges a few problems over the years (including in the last few weeks) without one of their best players at their disposal. Rice will definitely be missed tonight.