Arsenal get huge Declan Rice injury boost as England decision made

Arsenal injury updates on Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have emerged after both were forced to leave the pitch during their 2-0 Premier League triumph over West Ham United. Odegaard was substituted for Martin Zubimendi in the first half after a heavy blow to his knee, while Rice had to be taken off late on due to discomfort in his back.

Mikel Arteta, in a post-match press conference, revealed about Odegaard: "I think he [Odegaard] had a clash knee-to-knee, and immediately he was uncomfortable, I just spoke to him, he's not positive about it, he's got a brace on. We'll have to wait and see from the doctors, but we haven't been very unlucky with that either."

Regarding Rice, he said: "Well, he's not alright because he asked me to come off, so that's a shame. So, he had pain in his back and he could not carry on, which is something very unusual for Declan, so we'll have to assess him and see how he is."

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The greater worry was for Odegaard, who couldn't make it to half-time for the third consecutive Premier League home game. These concerns have now been confirmed as Arsenal have had to issue an update on his condition ahead of the October international break.

"Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team for their upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the first half in Saturday's win over West Ham United," read a statement from the club.

"Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible."

There was no update on Rice, however, it's understood that he will report to St George's Park for England duty next week, suggesting the issue that forced him off over the weekend isn't serious.

This is good news for Arteta from a leadership perspective, considering the significant impact losing his captain for the next few games would have. While further rest for Rice wouldn't have been a bad thing, he will certainly maintain match rhythm under Thomas Tuchel.

The 26-year-old has already had some rest this season, with benchings against Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos allowing him to perform at his best. This was demonstrated by his fantastic assist in the win over Newcastle United last weekend and goal against former club West Ham on Saturday.

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