Mikel Arteta has issued a big injury update as Arsenal prepare to host basement boys Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday evening (8pm) at the Emirates Stadium

10:01, 12 Dec 2025Updated 10:24, 12 Dec 2025

Mikel ArtetaMikel Arteta has issued an Arsenal injury update ahead of facing Wolves(Image: Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal are hoping to have Declan Rice back available for tomorrow’s clash with Wolves after the England international missed the midweek Champions League win at Club Brugge due to illness.

Rice shook off a minor calf problem (fatigue) suffered in the closing stages of the victory over Brentford to feature in last weekend’s dramatic defeat at Aston Villa.

However, there was concern ahead of Brugge as he did not train with the main group and was later left out of the travelling party.

Arteta revealed ahead of facing Wolves: “Let’s see how he goes today, he was ill. Normally in a few days, but let’s see how he gets on.”

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The Arsenal boss has also issued a big update on William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard, who also sat out of the three-goal demolition of the Belgians.

Saliba has been missing since sustaining a “knock” ahead of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea, while Timber and Trossard both picked up issues against Villa, a match in which Trossard netted from off the bench.

Arteta said of the French defender: “We have to wait and see, yesterday he didn’t train. We have an extra day, let’s see if he can be available.”

He also cast doubt over the availability of the Dutchman, adding: “It depends on how he feels today. It was a knock that he picked [up] and he wasn’t feeling comfortable.”

William Saliba and Declan RiceWilliam Saliba and Declan Rice are both doubts for Arsenal vs Wolves(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Timber travelled to Belgium with Arsenal but didn’t make the squad due to a knock, meaning Ben White started his third successive match in all competitions.

Arteta said coyly on Trossard, who picked up another calf issue: “Again, it’s a matter of days.”

Crucially, there are no fresh injuries from midweek in what feels like a rare boost for the Gunners.

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