Arsenal will monitor Rice's back injury closely ahead of Carabao Cup clash

Arsenal will closely monitor Declan Rice’s back injury as medics look to establish whether the problem is connected to other areas of his body.

Rice was substituted at half-time of Sunday’s north London Derby draw with Tottenham, complaining of discomfort in his back.

Initial tests have provided Arsenal with confidence that Rice will not be a long-term absentee - although the pain in the England international’s back is understood to have worsened so much on Sunday night that it was restricting his movement.

Rice will be unavailable for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie versus Brentford as he continues his recovery from the problem that has left him suffering back spasms.

Moving forward, club medics are preparing to take closer inspection to ensure the back issue does not become a recurring problem during his first season at the club.

Often, back problems can occur because of separate imbalances or constriction in other parts of the body.

The Gunners aren’t ruling out Rice - who has carried a niggling calf injury into the season - being available for Saturday’s visit to Bournemouth and next week’s Champions League clash in Lens.

With that in mind there is hope the 24-year-old can play against champions Manchester City a week on Sunday if not before then.

Rice has had an impeccable fitness record in recent seasons. He has played 171 games for West Ham and England during the previous three seasons.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale - who has lost his place in the starting XI for previous three matches - could make his return to the side against Brentford this week.

However, it appears increasingly clear that David Raya - who is eligible to face his former club on Wednesday - is heading towards becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the season after replacing Ramsdale in the team.

A lack of games for Ramsdale is likely to concern England manager Gareth Southgate heading into Euro 2024.

Arsenal keeper Ramsdale, who started the recent friendly versus Scotland, is widely-recognised as England’s second choice behind Jordan Pickford.

But there may be question over his position in England’s plans if he isn’t playing regularly.

Burnley keeper James Trafford, who joined from Manchester United earlier this year, is understood to be on Southgate’s radar ahead of the Euros as he monitors his goalkeeping situation.

Southgate is also keeping tabs on Lille forward Angel Gomes, who also used to be on United’s books.