Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed Declan Rice had to leave the pitch with a knock during their goalless draw with Everton on Saturday evening.
After a goalless draw at the Emirates, the north Londoners still trail leaders Liverpool by six points although the Reds themselves failed to win this weekend, drawing 2-2 at home to Fulham.
The Gunners' troubles were compounded when midfield maestro Rice had to make way just past the hour, with Jorginho stepping in to replace him.
After the match, Arteta disclosed that Rice himself signalled the need for a switch after experiencing discomfort.
The Spaniard explained: "With Declan I had to take him off because he was feeling something. He's been with a little niggle for the last week or so and he asked to be taken off."
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It’s a blow considering Rice’s consistent presence in the squad this season - he's racked up 20 appearances across all competitions, only sitting out matches against Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Preston, and Inter Milan.
With eyes already set on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tussle with Crystal Palace, Arteta’s wish list will surely include Rice’s swift return.
Arsenal’s injury list, already consisting of the likes of Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, looks keen to avoid any new additions.
Besides Rice's call for substitution, Arteta found himself addressing additional reshuffles made during the Everton clash.
Arteta also defended his decision to substitute captain Martin Odegaard for young talent Ethan Nwaneri, which left some fans scratching their heads.
Arteta explained: "I understand. If Ethan comes in and scores it's a great sub. If he doesn't you've taken your captain off. It's football.
Despite dominating the match, Arsenal failed to capitalise on their chances agaisnt Everton, with Arteta remarking: "Very disappointing not to win the game.
"We fully deserved to win the game. We conceded no shots. We dominated play. When we generated big chances we didn't score a goal."
He also dismissed any suggestion that Everton had an edge due to extra rest after the Merseyside derby was postponed last weekend, stating: "No. It doesn't matter," and highlighting the intensity his team brought in the second half.
