BREAKING: Declan Rice and William Saliba decision made for Arsenal vs Aston Villa amid big blow

Declan Rice was an injury concern for Arsenal against Aston Villa. (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Declan Rice has been included in the Arsenal team to face Aston Villa, despite concerns over his fitness in the lead up to the match, the Gunners have however been handed a blow with defender William Saliba unavailable.

Rice suffered the issue during the midweek win against Burnley, where he appeared to point towards his calf when speaking to the medical staff.

Giving an update on the general fitness of his squad in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: "Well, let's see. I think with all the questions I'm going to get, the answer, unfortunately, is going to be the same.

"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 hours."

In good news for Arsenal, Rice has been named in the starting line-up for the game at Villa Park.

In another boost, Leandro Trossard, who has missed the last two games with a muscle injury, is fit enough to make the bench.

There is however a blow with William Saliba again absent. It was hoped that the defender could make a comeback against Villa after missing the last two games, but the wait goes on.

William Saliba has been ;eft out of the Arsenal squad for the match vs Aston Villa due to injury. (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

He joins fellow defenders Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera and Kai Havertz on the sidelines.

Arteta has made three changes to his line-up for the early kick-off at Villa Park. Mosquera has been replaced by Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze has come in for Gabriel Martinelli, while Bukayo Saka replaces Noni Madueke.

Arsenal go into the game knowing that a win will take them eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table.

It will also move them nine points clear of their opponents. Villa are currently in third place, having won their last four Premier League games.

Arsenal: Raya, White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Eze, Merino.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Lewis-Skelly, Salmon, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres.