8 months ago
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Mikel Arteta has revealed Declan Rice suffered a hamstring issue against Crystal Palace but hopes the injury is not too serious.
Arsenal's £105million summer signing was once again influential as the club returned to winning ways by thrashing the Eagles 5-0.
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However, cameras captured Rice appearing to mouth the word "hammy" to Emile Smith Rowe as he was substituted in the second half.
The England international was replaced by Jorginho in the 73rd minute, with the Gunners leading London rivals Palace by three.
Gabriel, who opened the scoring in the five-goal rout, also failed to last the full 90 minutes after complaining of a calf niggle himself.
Arsenal boss Arteta provided an update on the pair in his post-match interview, with his side not in action for another 10 days when they face Nottingham Forest away on Tuesday, January 30.
Arteta said: “Declan was feeling something, a sensation in his hamstring so we won’t take any risks at 3-0.”
“The other is Gabby [Gabriel Magalhães], he had a tackle in the first half on his knee and he was struggling.”
Asked if the problems were potentially serious, Arteta added: “I hope not but let’s see.”
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This is the second injury Rice has sustained since arriving at Arsenal, having suffered a back spasm in late September.
The issue forced Rice to be withdrawn at half-time in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, however, he returned the following weekend against Bournemouth.
The midfielder and Gabriel's injuries were the only blot on an otherwise perfect day for Arsenal, who snapped a four-game winless streak.
