Arteta worries injuries could derail Arsenals title push

Mikel Arteta is concerned that Arsenals growing injury list might undermine their Premier League title aspirations following Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosqueras departures during Wednesdays 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Arsenals team increased their lead over Manchester City in second place to five points with strikes from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners stretched their unbeaten streak across all competitions to 18 games securing an eighth consecutive home triumph.

Arteta who is already missing key centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba due to injuries faced another setback as Spanish defender Mosquera left the pitch shortly before the interval.

More worryingly England midfielder Declan Rice seemed to suffer a calf issue when replaced ten minutes before the end.

"Clearly its not welcome news. Declan needed to leave the field. We are unsure yet. Assessments tomorrow will clarify his condition," Arteta noted adding that Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are also sidelined.

"Declan is able to walk. But he cannot participate. He has logged many minutes recently plus we face a match Saturday morning after this Wednesday evening fixture."

Arsenal navigated a tough schedule this week with triumphs against Tottenham and Bayern Munich alongside a stalemate versus title challengers Chelsea prompting Arteta to rest Saka Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze versus Brentford.

However all three entered as substitutes leaving Arteta to lament the clubs injury troubles and critique the Premier League calendar before an away clash with strong Aston Villa on Saturday morning.

"Rest is an optimistic term. Changes were necessary," he remarked.

"The week has been intensely challenging across the board. We were required to play just three days on with reduced recovery compared to opponents.

"We manage the minutes but if possible granting us additional recovery time to better protect player wellbeing would be appreciated."