Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear on Declan Rice tunnel bust-up with Arsenal staff

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a clear response to the incident between Albert Stuivenberg and Declan Rice

Mikel Arteta has dismissed any problems between Arsenal assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg and Declan Rice following their heated row. The duo were captured arguing in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge with Rice visibly frustrated, though Arteta has insisted the problem has been resolved.

He said on Friday: "All sorted, all good. The good thing is that the time I find out, the problem was resolved." Video footage of their rather animated disagreement emerged following the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg victory over Chelsea.

In that clip, Rice can be seen throwing his arms up in the air at Stuivenberg with Gabriel Magalhaes forced to step intervene in an attempt calm things down.

Rice had earlier provided the assist for Ben White to head the Gunners in front during the first few minutes of the clash. Goals from Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres put Arsenal in control but Alejandro Garnacho twice reduced the deficit to set up an intriguing second leg at Emirates Stadium.

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Before that decisive fixture, the Gunners have five games across the Premier League and Champions League. The first of those arrives this Saturday evening with a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Injury problems have improved for Arteta as of late, though Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Max Dowman are currently unavailable. However, the Gunners boss has hinted returns could happen this weekend.

When asked if any of the quarter had a chance of playing, he said: "There might be, so I need to meet now with the medical staff. We have a training session now and see if somebody is available for the weekend."

Following the clash at the City Ground, Arsenal remain on their travels and are set to play Inter in their penultimate European league stage fixture.

The Gunners are then back in north London to host Manchester United with Michael Carrick as their interim manager after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

Kairat Almaty are then the visitors to Emirates Stadium a few days later with Arsenal looking to wrap up their place in the top eight which will see them avoid a play-off tie.

A clash against Leeds United at Elland Road is how the Gunners close out January with the semi-final second leg against the Blues following that.