Why Declan Rice isn’t in Arsenal squad to face Crystal Palace

Declan Rice will not feature for Arsenal against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has left Declan Rice out of Arsenal’s squad to face Crystal Palace after the midfielder came off with a niggle against Everton at the weekend.

Arsenal take on Palace this evening for a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and Arteta has made eight changes to his team for the all-London clash at the Emirates.

Kieran Tierney comes in for Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back to make his first appearance of the season, while Raheem Sterling has been given the nod in a new-look with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.

Mikel Merino is the sole survivor in midfield from Arsenal’s clash with Everton and the Spaniard starts alongside teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho, who skippers the Gunners.

Club captain Martin Odegaard has been named among the substitutes in north London after being replaced in the second half of Arsenal’s goalless draw with the Toffees.

Rice, meanwhile, who was also substituted on Saturday, has been left out all together after Arteta revealed the England international ‘felt something’ before coming off the field.

‘I had to take him [Rice] off because he was feeling something,’ Arteta told reporters when asked about his second-half changes against Everton.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace line-ups

ARSENAL XI: Raya, Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Sterling, Trossard, Jesus

Subs: Setford, Saliba, Gabriel, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz

PALACE XI: Henderson, Kporha, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes, Sarr, Eze, Mateta.

Subs: Turner, Ward, Nketiah, Schlupp, Clyne, Kamada, Richards, Doucoure, Devenny.

‘With Martin [Odegaard], it was a tactical decision to try to change the rhythm especially on that side.

‘I understand if Ethan comes in and scores a goal it’s a great substitution.

‘If he doesn’t you have taken your captain out. That’s football.’

Odegaard has been named on the bench after being replaced against Everton (Picture: Getty)

Tierney starts at left-back for the Gunners (Picture: Getty)

Tonight’s visitors have handed a first start to 18-year-old defender Caleb Kporha, who replaces the suspended Daniel Munoz at right wing-back.

The teenager is the only change to Oliver Glasner’s starting XI that beat Brighton 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday.

More to follow.

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