Declan Rice’s substitution in Arsenal’s win over Hull was not due to an injury issue.

The midfielder was brought off just after the hour mark at the Emirates Stadium, when it was still goalless.

Mikel Merino was introduced in his place and ten minutes later Martin Odegaard stepped up with the only goal of the game.

Rice’s withdrawal was something of a surprise. He has started all ten league matches this season and played the full 90 minutes in four of the last five games before Saturday’s clash.

Fitness concern: Declan Rice

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However, Mikel Arteta confirmed after the match that the England international is “fine” and did not have an injury.

That would suggest Rice is still expected to join up with the Three Lions for their two upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Rice’s workload has had increased attention this week after he played the full match against Slavia Prague on Wednesday night.

Arteta made six changes to his starting lineup that night and gave some key players a rest, but Rice stayed on for the full 90 minutes despite looking exhausted in the second half.

The Spaniard has since defended his decision to keep Rice on. The Arsenal manager insisted he is carefully managing his No41’s minutes and pointed to the rest he was given against Fleetwood.

Absentee: Bukayo Saka

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“The only player, the only player in this squad that for two games in the Carabao Cup has been left out of the squad,” Arteta said.

“At home with two days off. That’s my concern.

“We are really looking after him more than any other season. The way he’s training and all the load. That’s it.

“Here are the demands of this football club and you have a player like him. Not only him because there are many others that have even less time.

“That has to be the mindset. If you start to put other things in your brain, damage. Erase them, get them in the bin and just focus on what you have to do.”