Arsenal injury crisis before Man City

The absence of Rice is particularly concerning for Mikel Arteta, as the midfielder failed to show for the club's open training session due to an undisclosed issue.

Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori also remain sidelined, leaving the Gunners' squad severely depleted at a pivotal moment in the season.

Arteta has urged his spluttering side to respond despite the mounting fatigue and fitness concerns.

The upcoming week is widely seen as a defining period that could determine the success of Arsenal's entire campaign.