Declan Rice was absent from full training on Tuesday as after another physically demanding week as Arsenal completed their final preparation for the Champions League trip to Club Brugge
Declan Rice trained indoors on Tuesday rather than with the main group, according to reporters present at London Colney.
Leandro Trossard also worked away from the pitches, having been withdrawn after scoring at Villa Park after only returning from a calf problem.
William Saliba was again missing altogether.
It remains unclear if any of the three will travel, though the sight of Rice away from full training is the most significant given his near-ever-present role this season.
He has not missed a match in all competitions and the cumulative load has been evident in recent weeks. This certainly feels like a match he could be rested for.
Trossard’s situation is more straightforward. He returned from a calf injury at the weekend but was only able to complete part of the second half before being substituted again, suggesting the medical staff remain cautious about accelerating his comeback.
Saliba’s absence will be the most frustrating for Mikel Arteta. The manager said twice last week that the defender would be back in a “matter of days”, yet the Frenchman looks set to miss the Brugge fixture as his recovery continues.
Arsenal’s injury list remains stubborn.
Kai Havertz is not expected back in the squad until the end of the month.
Gabriel is targeting a return before mid-January from the thigh injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.
Cristhian Mosquera is sidelined until roughly the same period with an ankle problem.
Finally, Gabriel Jesus has been added to the Champions League squad for the league phase after Max Dowman picked up an ankle injury when he was playing for the u21s.
Arsenal said, “Max, who picked up an ankle injury playing for our under-21s on Saturday, will be added to our UEFA B list in January, but will not be permitted to play in any UEFA competitions for 60 days from today (February 6).”