Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed after the 2-2 draw against Tottenham that Declan Rice was substituted due to a back injury.

The Gunners boss said the midfielder was in enough pain to force him off at half-time during the North London derby:

“He had some discomfort in his back. He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable and when we assessed him at half-time he could not continue, so we had to change him. It’s strange when a player like him asks to come off because he’s uncomfortable.”

It has since been confirmed that Rice did not suffer a serious injury and, although he may sit out the Carabao Cup tie against Brentford on Wednesday night, he could return for this weekend’s game versus Bournemouth.

Bukayo Saka was also surprisingly subbed against Spurs, but the winger was simply taken off as a precaution to manage an ongoing issue with a sore Achilles.

There is a chance that Thomas Partey could return from a muscular injury earlier than expected. The Ghanaian international has not played since the 2-2 draw against Fulham last month and he was set to be out until after the next international break. However, there is now some hope that the midfielder will be available to face Manchester City on October 8th.

Updates on the fitness of 3 other Arsenal players

Leandro Trossard missed Sunday’s game due to a hamstring injury. Some have suggested that the Belgian could play against Bournemouth this weekend but that is unlikely. He is, though, set to make his comeback before the City game.

Gabriel Martinelli is in the same situation. The Brazilian was forced off with his own hamstring problem during the 1-0 win over Everton and he may need a couple more weeks to recover fitness.

Jurrien Timber is sidelined for the long term with an ACL injury he picked up against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.