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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta offered a concerning update about Declan Rice after the midfielder was forced off during the Gunners' victory over Brentford on Wednesday evening. Rice was taken off with a suspected calf issue in the 83rd minute, with the north London giants going on to secure a 2-0 win.

Arsenal went into their clash with the Bees without influential centre-back duo Gabriel and William Saliba. Martin Odegaard was handed his first start in two months after recently recovering from a knee injury. And Viktor Gyokeres featured from the bench for the second match in a row following his own recent layoff.

Arsenal's injury worries were compounded in the closing stages of the first half when centre-back Cristhian Mosquera was taken off and replaced by Jurrien Timber. And Rice then had to leave the pitch just before the end of the match as Gyokeres took his place.

Arteta was asked about Rice's injury as he spoke to the media in his post-match press conference. He stated: "Declan had to come off, we will have to see tomorrow." The Spaniard then explained: "He couldn't carry on playing so he had to come off. He can walk."

The Arsenal boss also spoke about Mosquera as he added: "It was part of the knee or ankle, but he couldn't tell us."

Arteta was pressed about Rice, Mosquera and Saliba during his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He exclaimed: "We'll know more tomorrow. They need to be tested. Declan had to come off. Let's see who is available [at the weekend]."

After being asked whether he was getting the maximum out of his side, Arteta said: "Yes, especially with the amount of injuries we still have. We lost Saliba, we lost big Gabby, today we lost Mosquera. It's been a challenge. Ben White was excellent today. Everyone that is given an opportunity is performing."

And discussing the match as a whole, the 43-year-old explained: "It is always uncomfortable because all Brentford need is a throw and it's chaos and adventure. One-nil is never enough against them but I thought we dominated the game and created the biggest chances.

"Overall I am very happy. The week we had, three days later without any recovery. To do that again, I'm very proud of the players."

Wednesday's result moves Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after 14 matches. The Gunners travel to Aston Villa on Saturday, with the Villans climbing to third on Wednesday after overturning a 2-0 deficit to stun Brighton 4-3 on the south coast.