What Declan Rice told his teammate after coming off against Crystal Palace will be major concern for Arsenal fans

What Declan Rice told his teammate after coming off against Crystal Palace will be a major concern for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta alike.

Rice started his side's comfortable 5-0 victory over Palace at the Emirates on Saturday.

Gabriel opened the scoring in the 11th minute, with a Dean Henderson own-goal making it 2-0.

Leandro Trossard added a third just before the hour mark as substitute Gabriel Martinelli bagged a late, quick-fire brace.

Arsenal return to winning ways following three consecutive defeats in all competitions.

They move to 43 points, level with Manchester City and Aston Villa as they occupy third place in the table.

But it appears the win came at a price as Rice failed to complete 90 minutes.

He was replaced by Jorginho in the 73rd minute and could be heard saying "hammy" to Emile Smith Rowe as he came off the pitch.

Rice is suggesting he felt something in his hamstring and could be set for a spell on the sideline.

The England international has been superb for the Gunners following his club-record £105 million transfer from West Ham United last summer.

The 25-year-old has played every league game this season, scoring three goals - including a crucial winner against Luton

Town.

After the match, Arteta said: "He was feeling some tiredness, I don't know exactly what muscle he was. When we're 3-0 up [you don't want to risk it]... The same with big Gabi as well, he had some discomfort and was struggling."

The Spaniard will be sweating on the fitness of Rice as his side have big league matches against Liverpool, West Ham and Newcastle United next month.

Not to mention their Champions League clash against Porto.

Arsenal resume their league campaign on January 30 when they travel to Nottingham Forest.