Arteta reveals Rice has suffered back injury as Gunners' problems mount

Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice suffered a back injury during the North London derby draw with Tottenham as Arsenal's injury problems continue to mount.

Rice's half-time replacement, Jorginho, was at fault for Spurs' equaliser in a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

Already missing Jurrien Timber to a long-term knee problem, Arsenal are also currently without Thomas Partey and had lost Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to injuries this week before Rice was forced to withdraw.

"He had a back injury," Arteta said of Rice. "We have to assess him. It's strange for someone like him to come off.

"Today, we missed five big players. We gave an opportunity to everyone, we have games every three injuries now."

Arsenal, who are now four points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table, travel to Brentford in midweek for a Carabao Cup tie before playing at Bournemouth next week. After a Champions League game at Lens, their final match before the international break will be a clash with City at the Emirates.