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Declan Rice missed Arsenal's game against Liverpool(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has offered an ominous injury update on Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

The 26-year-old star has been a key figure for the Gunners but could be absent as they attempt to secure their Champions League qualification once again.

Rice missed out on the north London side's draw against Liverpool and was replaced in the lineup by Leandro Trossard as Mikel Merino dropped back into the midfield.



Arsenal are five points clear of sixth-placed Aston Villa and need one more to confirm a place in Europe's top competition once again, with fixtures against Newcastle and Southampton to come.

The Anfield draw was only the third Premier League match Rice had missed this season.

And despite Jurrien Timber travelling with the squad to Merseyside, the Dutch defender is also struggling for fitness.

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"No, we brought him to see if today he was better but he was very clear that he's not fit to play," Arteta said.

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The Arsenal boss will also have to do with Merino for next week’s home game with Newcastle.

I know that Mikel goes to the ball and he gets a little bit pushed and after he reacts it looks like he touches him and he made the decision so that's it," said Arteta.

Mikel Merino was shown a late red card at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

The Gunners boss has previously admitted this his side were short of bodies, and suggested there was acceptance that was the case heading into the season.

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