Mikel Arteta: Arsenal looking after Declan Rice workload more than ever before

Martin Odegaard settled the closely contested encounter with the decisive goal, but Rice's departure in the 63rd minute attracted attention from the home supporters. Mikel Merino came on to replace the England international, who showed no obvious signs of discomfort as he made his way off the pitch.

Questions surrounding Rice's workload had already surfaced before the match, with suggestions that Arteta had been relying too heavily on the former West Ham captain.

The Arsenal boss previously dismissed such claims, laughing off speculation that he had overused the midfielder, who wears the No. 41 shirt.

However, concerns about possible fatigue resurfaced ahead of the Hull fixture. Arteta has since insisted that Rice is fine, indicating his withdrawal was not prompted by an injury. The 27-year-old is therefore expected to join up with the England squad this week as originally scheduled.

"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." 

READ MORE: Drawing Sundowns in the Carling KO semis a measure of Chiefs’ growth – Da Cruz