Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is expected to be available for the visit to Nottingham Forest next week following his recent injury scare.
The England international was substituted in the 73rd minute of the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday complaining of an issue towards his hamstring.
Early indications were that Rice was suffering from muscle tightness and there is now growing confidence their key midfielder has not suffered any damage.
The Gunners don’t play again until next Tuesday, with Rice expected to be fit for the visit to the City Ground.
There is further positive news on the injury front amid optimism long-term absentee Jurrien Timber can return to full training next month.
Declan Rice is expected to be available to play against Nottingham Forest next Tuesday
The midfielder limped off in Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Crystal Palace but there is growing confidence he did not suffer any damage
Jurrien Timber is making excellent progress and Arsenal are optimistic he can return to full training next month
The Netherlands international suffered an ACL injury during the opening day win over Nottingham Forest.
Timber is making excellent progress and could return to the main group for training at their London Colney HQ by the end of February provided there aren’t any late setbacks.
Timber’s long-awaited return will ease the club’s defensive concerns heading into the final months of the season.
The club, who were offered Karim Benzema earlier this month, have considered moving for a versatile defender before next week’s deadline and remain open to doing so.
But Timber’s eventual return will arrive as a huge boost to Mikel Arteta and will ease the necessity of signing a full-back in January.
