Arsenal boss Arteta gives injury updates on Declan Rice,  William Saliba, Leo Trossaard and  Cristhian Mosquera  

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an injury update on Declan Rice.

Speaking on Friday morning ahead of Saturday lunchtime's clash at Aston Villa, the Gunners manager said: "Well, let's see.

"We have another training session in the afternoon. "Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players. After that, we'll decide which ones."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also spoke about the fitness of William Saliba and Leo Trossaard admitting: "It is a matter of days with those two, for sure. After the training session, we'll know more."

However, Arteta confirmed Cristhian Mosquera has suffered an ankle injury.

Arteta said: "That's the more complicated one, but again, we have another test today to see where we are with them.

"We need to know, because the feeling that we had after the game and yesterday, we need to corroborate with what happens with all the testing that we do today."

Mosquera was forced off during the 2-1 over Brentford, being replaced by Jurrien Timber in the first half. 

Arteta also discussed third placed Aston Villa, and former Gunners manager Unai Emery, saying: "Well, for what they've been doing, the way they've been playing and winning these matches, certainly it's a team that is in great form and we know that.

"We know, obviously, the manager and the incredible job that he's done there as well.

"So we know the task tomorrow but we always think it's an opportunity."

Arteta was also quizzed if any players could leave in January:

He replied: "Well, at the moment we haven't had a situation, as we mentioned before, that players are out of the squad for three or four weeks in a row.

"At the moment, we know that the squad we have, we are full-framing with the players that are fit.

"So, at the moment, it's very clear that there's no option to do that."