Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice will not be available for selection when his side take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The England international midfielder was withdrawn at half-time of the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday due to a back discomfort.
Rice is currently undergoing tests to establish the extent of the injury, but Arsenal are confident he will not spend extended time on the sidelines.
Arteta is hoping it is not a big injury, but he has delivered an unpleasant update on the fitness of the 24-year-old ahead of their mid-week London derby.
“He hasn’t trained yet,” the Gunners boss said this afternoon.
“He could not carry on in the game.
“Hopefully it’s not something big. We are confident (it’s not big).
“He is still uncomfortable and he had to leave the pitch which is never a good sign. It’s still doubtful.”