Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice had to be withdrawn midway through the second half of the 5-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday due to a muscular injury.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the 25-year-old felt some “tightness” and he was brought off as a precaution.
It’s a similar situation with Gabriel. The defender picked up a knock in the first half and it was decided that no risks would be taken with the Brazilian’s fitness.
The centre-back was substituted 10 minutes before full-time, with Jakub Kiwior coming on to replace him.
Estimated Return Date – Tuesday 30th January v Nottingham Forest
Fabio Vieira was pictured out on the pitch during the Gunners’ warm-weather training camp in Dubai, which suggests he is closing in on a return to fitness following groin surgery.
Arteta has previously said that the Portuguese international would be back after the winter break, but he wasn’t in the squad for the Palace game.
There is less certainty about when Thomas Partey will be available again. At the start of January, Arteta did say that the Ghanaian was a matter of weeks away from making his comeback. However, he did caveat his comments by claiming it does depend on the progress he makes in training. The midfielder has not been seen in action since undergoing an operation on his thigh back in October.
Estimated Return Date – Sunday 4th February v Liverpool
Jurrien Timber was back out on the grass in Dubai but Arteta has tempered expectations about the Dutchman returning to match fitness anytime soon.
ACL injuries tend to take at least nine months to recover from so fans may have to wait until April or May to see him in action for Arsenal again.
