Mikel Arteta has admitted that William Saliba’s injury setback has forced him to consider a new role for Declan Rice. Saliba missed Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa after he pulled up during the closing stages of last week’s north London derby win over Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal defender William Saliba is “evolving well” after sustaining a muscular injury last week but will miss his side’s Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

William Saliba is recovering “very well” from his injury, but Mikel Arteta says he will miss Arsenal’s Uefa Champions League meeting with Dinamo Zagreb. The Gunners head into the European tie