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Mikel Arteta has the perfect Arsenal star to replace Declan Rice for the Premier league clash against Aston Villa if he is unable to overcome a calf injury. The Gunners midfielder was substituted late into Wednesday's 2-0 win over Brentford after receiving treatment from physios.

Arsenal lost Cristhian Mosquera to injury earlier in the clash with Arteta providing updates on the duo in his post-match press conference.

He said: "Yes, obviously it's never good news. Declan had to come off. We don't know. We have to see tomorrow what he's got.

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"And Mosquera is the other one that is out. We have to wait and see. It's probably the knee or ankle. We don't know. He could not really tell us exactly how it was, but he wasn't able to continue."

Jurrien Timber's versatility allowed him to seamlessly replace Mosquera at centre-back, but it was Viktor Gyokeres that came on for Rice. Unsurprisingly, the Swede did not go into midfield with Mikel Merino instead dropping deeper after starting as the Gunners' striker for the sixth consecutive game in all competitions.

He has managed seven goal contributions over that period, which makes it easy to forget he was signed to be a No.8. During Arsenal's attacking injury crisis last season, Arteta discovered the Spaniard was more than capable of playing up top.

However, he could be required in his more natural position this weekend if Rice is deemed to be unavailable for the trip to Villa Park.

An alternative is to play Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard either side of Martin Zubimendi, but that would be quite the attacking set up.

The Arsenal captain is also unlikely to be fit enough to start another game after playing 90 minutes just two-and-a-half days prior. Given the challenge that awaits Arsenal, with Villa winning 12 of their last 14 games, Arteta will likely be desperate to have Rice available.

However, the England international missing out may not be the worst thing considering he has started the nine games for club and country and is therefore likely due a rest. Arteta opted to start Merino for the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest earlier this season after his hat-trick on international duty for Spain.

Fresh off another goal and assist, with the latter arriving once he had moved back into midfield, Merino could be rewarded for his form even if Gyokeres regains his starting spot.

Arteta is a huge fan of the 29-year-old with a glowing verdict delivered on a moment which showed his character in the 2-0 win over Brentford.

The Gunners boss said: "He was immense again, I think, today [Wednesday]. The way he scored the goal, super smart. His timing, the way he wins the possession and the execution.

"But after his overall performance, with the ball, without the ball. I remember an action that he passed the ball to Martin in behind. Martin doesn't chase it.

"He makes 40 metres to chase it to the corner flag and goes back, wins the ball back. He's everywhere, and he's got that really good momentum at the moment, and he makes the team much better."