Mikel Arteta has played down injury fears around Declan Rice, confirming the Arsenal midfielder is “fine” after he was taken off in the second half against Everton.

Rice was taken off after 62 minutes of Saturday's 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium.

But Arteta has confirmed the England international did not suffer an injury.

Arteta said he will decide whether Rice will feature when Arsenal play Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, but said: “He is fine.”

Arteta has also provided an update on the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori.

The Arsenal defender has missed the last four games with a groin injury.

Arteta revealed last week that Calafiori was closing in on a return but that Arsenal did not want to rush his comeback.

Speaking ahead of the Palace game, Arteta said: "Alex [Zinchenko] and Riccardo [Calafiori] will still be out of the squad tomorrow."

Calafiori has struggled with injury issues since joining Arsenal from Bologna in the summer in a deal that could eventually be worth £42million.

In total, the left-sided Italy defender has missed nine games due to injury.

The Palace game on Wednesday is the start of a busy run of five games in 17 days for Arsenal over the festive period.

They play Palace again in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Saturday before games against Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton after Christmas.