Declan Rice gives Arsenal more injury fears after another centre-back limps off

Declan Rice was taken off during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Brentford as the Gunners’ injury problems threatened to worsen.

Mikel Arteta’s side restored their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table – but the win may have come at a price.

Getty

Getty

With first-choice centre-back pairing Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba already out injured, defender Cristhian Mosquera limped off in the first-half after an awkward landing.

Jurrien Timber came on at centre-back and Arsenal kept yet another clean sheet as goals from Mikel Merino and substitute Bukayo Saka sealed all three points.

But moments before Saka doubled the hosts’ lead in the dying moments, another talisman was substituted with an apparent injury.

Rice – who has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season on their charge towards the Premier League title – needed treatment on his calf.

The England star was then removed from the action with Arteta not ready to take any unnecessary risks.

It remains to be seen whether the move was precautionary ahead of a huge clash against Aston Villa on Saturday – live on talkSPORT.

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Villa moved to within six points of the Gunners with a dramatic 4-3 win at Brighton on Wednesday night.

Man City, meanwhile, kept pace on Tuesday with a spectacular 5-4 victory at Fulham, having almost thrown away a four-goal lead.

More to follow...