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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is optimistic that Declan Rice will return to action for Saturday's Premier League clash against Wolves, following his absence from the Champions League win over Club Brugge. Rice has been nursing a calf problem picked up during the victory against Brentford, though he was deemed fit enough to feature in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Having missed training sessions earlier in the week, he was left behind for the trip to Belgium and took no part in Wednesday evening's triumph.

Mikel Merino deputised in midfield, forming a partnership with Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard at the heart of the side. However, Arteta has expressed cautious optimism about the England midfielder's availability for the Wolves fixture. "Let's see how he goes today, he was ill," Arteta revealed. "Normally in a few days, but let's see how he gets on."

Rice is not Arsenal's only injury concern heading into the weekend, with five defenders potentially unavailable. Jurrien Timber was a surprise absentee from the midweek success after picking up a knock against Villa.

The former Ajax man travelled to Belgium but was omitted from the matchday squad, with uncertainty surrounding his participation on Saturday evening. "It depends on how he feels today," Arteta noted. "It was a knock that he picked [up] and he wasn't feeling comfortable."

Timber's absence has added to Arteta's defensive worries, with William Saliba's fitness also in doubt. The French international has been out of action since picking up an injury before the draw at Chelsea last month.

Arteta had earlier indicated his comeback was only "days" away, but he missed the previous two fixtures. "We have to wait and see, yesterday he didn't train." Arteta said of Saliba. "We have an extra day, let's see if he can be available."

Leandro Trossard was also ruled out of the win in Belgium after aggravating a persistent calf problem. "Leo again picked up another knock in an area where he had the issue, and I don't expect that it's going to be long, but unfortunately, he cannot be here," Arteta explained ahead of Wednesday evening.

When asked whether the Belgian would feature against Wolves, Arteta replied: "Again, it's a matter of days."

One player definitely ruled out for the weekend is Max Dowman. The 15-year-old suffered an ankle ligament injury during a private friendly against Manchester United last week.

The duration of the youngster's absence remains uncertain, though he was substituted by Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal's Champions League squad this week. "With Max, unfortunately, he picked up an injury last weekend, and he had to come off, so we did some scans and he is going to be out for week," Arteta confirmed.

In other news, Gabriel Magalhaes remains unavailable after picking up an adductor injury whilst on international duty. Cristhian Mosquera faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines until next year following a 'complicated' ankle problem.

Whilst no specific return date has been confirmed for the summer signing, reports suggest he could be out for between six and eight weeks. "He's going to be out for weeks unfortunately, it's much more than what we expected," Arteta admitted. "But the player was feeling it, so he's going to be out for weeks."

Meanwhile, forward Kai Havertz continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury picked up in August. Speaking in early December, Arteta indicated that the German's comeback was merely a "matter of weeks" away.