Overview
- Mikel Arteta said Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera will be assessed after a final training session before he decides who travels to Villa Park.
- Rice exited the Brentford win with a calf issue but told reporters he felt “fine,” with the manager declining to guarantee his involvement.
- Mosquera is considered the bigger concern after an awkward landing, with some reports suggesting a six‑to‑eight‑week ankle layoff that has not been confirmed by the club.
- Arsenal’s defensive options remain stretched, with Gabriel out until after Christmas and William Saliba and Leandro Trossard described as only days from returning.
- An X post claimed frustration over Saturday’s early kickoff following the midweek game, as Arteta stressed maximizing recovery time and said the club would stay alert to potential short‑term squad protection in the market.