Mikel Arteta provides injury update on key midfielder ahead of Carabao Cup quarter-final

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that Declan Rice "is fine", but did not commit to the midfielder's involvement in Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.

Rice was subbed off an hour into Arsenal's stale goalless draw with Everton on Saturday alongside club captain Martin Odegaard. While the skipper's removal was a surprising tactical decision - which failed to pay off - Arteta revealed that Rice "was feeling something".

When quizzed on the availability of the England international ahead of the visit from Palace, Arteta waved away any concerns. However, the Arsenal boss admitted that he would only be able to make a final decision after assessing his midfielder in training.

Throughout the majority of his career, Rice has boasted a near spotless injury record. A broken toe sidelined the 25-year-old for two weeks in the middle of November - forcing him to sit out the last two England matches of the year - and there have been various niggles which have hampered his involvement.

Rice is not the only fitness concern for Arteta to navigate ahead of the all-important cup tie. As the Spanish coach revealed: "Alex [Zinchenko] and Riccardo [Calafiori] will still be out of the squad."

Arteta is expected to field a strong lineup for what is arguably Arsenal's biggest game of the season thus far. While the former club captain has been spiky about the topic of his personal trophy count, he has admitted that this current crop of players would benefit from a piece of silverware after twice finishing as Premier League runners-up.

"I think it is really helpful," Arteta noted. "It brings belief, trust and positive energy. Touching a cup generates that energy and I think it creates the right path."

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