Declan Rice is set to play against former club West Ham when take on the Hammers in the Carabao Cup, has confirmed.
The midfielder completed a £105m move to the Emirates from West Ham last .
The clash will be the first time Rice has returned to the Stadium since his departure.
With Arsenal struggling with injuries to Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus, Rice had been expected to be rested for the visit across London.
But Arteta says the midfielder will play against his former club, as they have to beat West Ham in the ‘beautiful’ reunion for Rice.
‘We have to beat West Ham. It’s a competition where we have the chance to progress. Our mindset is focused on West Ham,’ said Arteta.
‘Tomorrow is going to be a really tough game, it always is against West Ham.
‘The contest is different [to Brentford in last round]. We have picked some injuries up and don’t have the same availability in the squad.
‘Rice is likely to play. It will be his first time back at the club and a beautiful moment. I had the experience to do it a few times, you get the feeling of how they really feel about you.
‘Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and everyone at the club, hopefully it will be the same with the fans tomorrow.’
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