The England midfielder was replaced by Viktor Gyokeres in the 83rd minute of the Gunners’ victory over the Bees with what looked like a calf problem but was seen in high spirits at full-time.
Defender Cristhian Mosquera was also withdrawn on the stroke of half-time after landing awkwardly on his ankle as Arsenal’s injury nightmare continued.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the win, Arteta said: “It’s never good news. Declan had to come off. We don’t know [the extent of the injury]. We will have to see tomorrow what he’s got, and Mosquera is the other one who is out. We have Gabby [Gabriel] and Willy [Saliba] out as well, so we have to adapt.”
When quizzed further on Rice’s injury, Arteta simply replied: “He could not carry on playing, so we have to wait and see tomorrow what happens.”
The win sent Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League after Manchester City’s pulsating 5-4 win over Fulham on Tuesday night had closed the gap at the summit to just two points.
Although in need of a victory to regain their numerical advantage over City, Arteta made three changes to the side that drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, utilising his deep squad.
“We had to make some changes. We had a very demanding week at every level – emotionally, physically, what the game demanded in the tactical and technical aspects of it,” the Arsenal boss told the media.
“We were asked to play three days later – one less recovery than them – and to still perform in the way that we’ve done it against a team that is super well coached, very well organised. They are very clear about how they want to generate big chances, and they are really good at doing that.
“At 1-0, we knew it wasn’t enough. I don’t think we conceded anything apart from the save that he [Raya] had to make on the corner, but the game was always open, and we needed that extra energy to close it.”
The Gunners’ injury-ravaged campaign has seen key players miss extended periods, but defender Ben White and club captain Martin Odegaard both started on the night to give Arteta some much-needed respite.
“It has been a theme this season, but when I look at the players that haven’t been playing much. For example, Ben White, the performance that he had, or Martin, that has been out and he puts 96 minutes under his belt straight away. Noni, the same. Viktor, who is getting some minutes as well, so I’m very pleased to see that.”
Arteta’s side travel to the Midlands on Saturday to face former Gunners boss Unai Emery’s in-form Aston Villa [12:30pm] with an eye on maintaining their lead at the Premier League summit.