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Mikel Arteta has provided a Declan Rice injury update after he was left out of Arsenal's squad to face Aston Villa. The Athletic had earlier claimed he suffered a knee issue against Brighton and in order to not aggravate the problem, would miss the visit of Villa with the Gunners boss now explaining the decision.
He told Sky Sports: "Declan got a big kick in his knee at the start of the match actually and it had a massive swell up so the game was too early for him.
Arteta added: "I hope so [he will not miss much action]. Once the swelling comes down. he can start to function and he will be fine."
Rice's absence is a hugely significant blow for Arsenal, but Arteta has at least been handed some positive news with Jurrien Timber back in the starting XI.
He joins Gabriel Magalhaes in the back four after his return to the fold off the bench this past weekend having missed the last six weeks with injury.
Ben White and Kai Havertz have also returned to the matchday squad after very different spells out of the team.
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