Arsenal Face Declan Rice Fitness Test as Arteta Reveals Injury Concerns

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will have to manage Declan Rice carefully because of a hamstring problem, and the England midfielder’s place in the team to face Leeds is still in doubt.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Arsenal boss said Rice has not been fully right since coming back from the World Cup. 

“Yeah, we have to manage him because he’s had a few issues since he came back from the World Cup,” Arteta said. “Hopefully tomorrow he’s available, and some others also are in doubt.”

The 27-year-old pulled out of the England squad before the international break because of worries about his workload. He has played a lot of football in recent seasons, and he played through a nerve issue in his hamstring at the World Cup. He still helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

Rice is not the only fitness worry. Kai Havertz left the Germany camp with a muscle problem, while Ezri Konsa came back early from England duty. Arteta said the clubs were helpful in both cases. 

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“With Kai as he had a muscular injury, I spoke to Germany and they sent the player back as normal, Ezri we had good communication with the England camp,” he said. “We will see tomorrow [if they are available].”

Arsenal are looking to bounce back after losing to Brighton in their last game before the break. That result leaves them three points behind Manchester City in the early league table.

Whether Rice is fit enough to start against Leeds is still unclear. The return of some key defenders should give Arsenal a better base as they try to get back to winning ways.