Arsenal's Declan Rice Sidelined: The Real Reason Behind His Aston Villa Absence

Arsenal confront a pivotal match against unexpected Premier League title contenders Aston Villa on Tuesday evening, though their challenge has become more difficult due to Declan Rice's unavailability.

The Gunners, who suffered defeat to Villa in thrilling fashion earlier this December, have the opportunity to establish a five-point advantage over second-place Manchester City with a win at the Emirates Stadium, yet their former boss Unai Emery has orchestrated an impressive 11-game winning run for the Villans. Overcoming them will represent a formidable challenge.

Rice has been fundamental to Arsenal's achievements across all tournaments this campaign as he continues to establish himself among the world's elite midfielders, with Mikel Arteta lamenting his unavailability for such a crucial battle in the championship race.

But what explains the England star's absence from the midfield?

Why Is Declan Rice Not Playing Against Aston Villa?

Rice will be sidelined for the Villa encounter due to a knee problem picked up during the weekend's 2–1 triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion. The 26-year-old managed to finish the game in which he was deployed at right-back due to the unavailability of Jurriën Timber and Ben White, but has been excluded on Tuesday to prevent worsening the condition.

Rice and the Arsenal medical team remained optimistic about his participation against Villa, but the compressed schedule between holiday fixtures led to the choice to omit him from the matchday squad completely.

Thankfully for the Gunners, Timber makes his comeback against Villa at right-back to face the impressive Morgan Rogers, with Mikel Merino partnering Martín Zubimendi and Martin Ødegaard in the middle of the park. Nevertheless, Rice's unavailability will be noticeable.

When Will Declan Rice Return for Arsenal?

The encouraging update from Arsenal's standpoint is that Rice's absence is anticipated to be "brief" despite additional examinations being required. The Gunners will undoubtedly be eager to have their influential midfielder back in the lineup as quickly as possible.

Arsenal face several demanding fixtures ahead, starting with a tough away trip to Bournemouth to begin the new year. They subsequently welcome reigning champions Liverpool, one of just two sides to defeat them this season, followed by an FA Cup third round encounter with Portsmouth and the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal against Chelsea.