Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared the latest on Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera after they were forced off in Wednesday’s win over Brentford.
Rice, who has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season, came off in the 83rd minute. The England international was pointing to his right calf while receiving treatment on the pitch.
Mosquera, meanwhile, was replaced just before half-time after picking up a knock. The Spanish centre-back landed awkwardly on his leg and was unable to continue.
The injuries marred what was another commanding victory from the Premier League leaders.
Thanks to goals from Mikel Merino (11′) and Bukayo Saka (90+1′), the Gunners marched on to a 2-0 victory, taking their tally to 33 points.
This win reinforces the fact that Arsenal have made significant gains in like-for-like Premier League fixtures compared to last term.
Arteta Provides Rice and Mosquera Injury Update
In the post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta addressed concerns about the injuries to Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera.
He explained Rice’s situation, saying:
“Obviously, it’s never good news. Declan had to come off. We don’t know.Â
“We have to see tomorrow what he’s got. And Mosquera is the other one who is out. Obviously, we have big Gabi [Gabriel Magalhaes] and Willy [William Saliba] out as well. So we have to adapt. It’s been a theme of this season.”
This could be Arsenal’s injury list for the upcoming matches:
– Kai Havertz
– Gabriel
– William Saliba
– Leandro Trossard
– Cristhian Mosquera
– Declan Rice pic.twitter.com/GQr88TTKK1— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 3, 2025
Arteta continued:
“He [Rice] could not carry on playing, so we have to wait and see tomorrow what happens. He can walk, but he cannot play.”
On Mosquera, the Spanish tactician added:
“Yeah, we have to wait and see. It’s probably part of the knee or ankle, we don’t know.
“He could not really tell us exactly how it was, but he wasn’t able to continue.”
With Saliba and Gabriel’s return unclear, Arsenal need Mosquera to recover as quickly as possible. Lacking a natural replacement for Mosquera, Arteta had to slot Jurrien Timber into the right centre-back position.
Expert Reveals Declan Rice Injury Recovery Timeline
Physio Scout (@physioscout), on X (formerly Twitter), has shed light on the type of injury Declan Rice suffered against Brentford.
They did not think it was a serious injury, but warned Arsenal could be without their star for up to two weeks.
They wrote:
“Declan Rice had to come off with what looks to be a calf injury. When palpating, he seemed to pinpoint the soleus/peroneals.
“Soleus strains/tightness are they common as they are the primary calf muscle used for endurance. Most calf issues tend to be minor, and do facilitate a quick recovery.
“I’d say he wouldn’t miss more than a week or two based off initial analysis.”
Declan Rice had to come off with what looks to be a calf injury.
When palpating, he seemed to pinpoint the soleus/peroneals. Soleus strains/tightness are they common as they are the primary calf muscle used for endurance.
Most calf issues tend to be minor, and do facilitate a… pic.twitter.com/eXyZM4SkRR
— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) December 3, 2025
Rice has played all 14 games for the Gunners this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
