Arsenal Hit by Major Injury Crisis Ahead of Crucial Club Brugge Clash

Declan Rice was absent from Arsenal's public training session before Wednesday's Champions League match against Club Brugge.

The key midfielder sustained an injury during the closing moments of the 2–0 victory over Brentford but promptly confirmed his availability for Saturday's 2–1 loss to Aston Villa, where he completed the entire match.

However, just when Arsenal supporters were feeling reassured about Rice's condition, concerns have resurfaced as he failed to appear for Tuesday's practice session alongside Mikel Arteta's remaining squad members.

No reason has been provided for Rice's non-participation, and it remains uncertain if this connects to the knock he received against Brentford six days prior. Arteta is anticipated to provide clarity on the England star during his pre-game media briefing on Tuesday.

Arsenal remain the sole team maintaining a flawless record in this campaign's Champions League league phase, collecting 15 points from their opening five matches, though they risk losing their top position with a loss in Belgium.

Saliba, Trossard Join Rice on Sidelines

Rice wasn't the sole key player absent from Tuesday's training. Belgian forward Leandro Trossard, who recovered from an ankle problem to find the net against Villa, was similarly missing, while the continued unavailability of defender William Saliba presents a major headache for Arteta.

The Arsenal boss suggested Saliba was within "days" of returning prior to the Brentford fixture, but he now faces potentially missing a fourth straight appearance across all tournaments if he cannot recover by Wednesday.

Saliba's regular defensive companion, Gabriel, remains out with an injury that could have ended his 2025 prematurely. Arteta recently admitted Arsenal might need to cope without both players for "an extended period."

With Cristian Mosquera also enduring his own lengthy rehabilitation, Arteta has suggested the possibility of signing a new centre back when the January window opens.

Currently, Piero Hincapié represents the only natural centre back at Arteta's disposal, though his squad contains numerous adaptable options. Jurriën Timber operated centrally in the recent Villa encounter, while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori can function effectively both as centre backs and fullbacks.