Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to give any indication as to when Declan Rice will be available for selection again.
Speaking before the Chelsea game on Sunday, the Gunners boss was tight-lipped on the midfielder’s fitness:
“I have to be very vague on that one because there is no clarity, if he is going to be fit or not for the weekend. He hasn’t trained yet and it is not clear yet whether he is going to be available.”
Supporters on X fear that Rice won’t return to action anytime soon:
He has a broken toe so I’m not surprised
— #ARTETAIN 🇳🇬 (@Olu_00) November 8, 2024
So rice is out
— Arsene Wenger’s Coat (@ArseneCoat_FC) November 8, 2024
He’s definitely not available 🤦🏾♂️
— Sovic Brown 🇳🇬 (@AFCBrown10) November 8, 2024
He’s out then
— Richy 🦍 (@Movielohd) November 8, 2024
whenever he says this with an injury the player never plays. Partey Merino Odegaard it is.
— RonAFC (@RonAFC04) November 8, 2024
Just let him rest, play partey merino odegaard
— Akanni🦁 (@tz_snart) November 8, 2024
What is Rice’s injury?
It is believed that the 25-year-old broke his toe in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle. There are reports suggesting that the player is keen to play through the pain barrier.
However, the fact that Rice missed the defeat to Inter Milan and hasn’t trained since indicates he may be spending some time on the treatment table.
Latest Arsenal injury news
Captain Martin Odegaard is back in contention following an ankle injury. The Norwegian played the final few minutes against Inter midweek.
Mikel Merino was substituted at half-time at the San Siro due to illness, while Kai Havertz picked up a nasty cut to the head.
Kieran Tierney is making good progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury but Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out until after the next international break with knee problems.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
