Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that Declan Rice is fighting an uphill battle to make his return from a foot injury in Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The 25-year-old sustained the problem—believed to be a broken toe—in last weekend's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United and was unavailable for the showdown with Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Reports have claimed that Arteta will give Rice every chance to be fit for the trip to Stamford Bridge, where he would reunite with the club that he represented as a schoolboy from 2006 to 2013.
However, speaking to reporters in Friday's pre-game press conference, the Spaniard admitted that the midfielder was yet to return to training and is therefore running out of time to prove his fitness for the weekend.
"I have to be very vague on that one because there's no clarity on whether he's going to be fit for the weekend," Arteta said, before he was asked whether the reports of Rice suffering a broken toe are true.
"That's for the doctor, what I can say is that he hasn't trained yet and it is not clear whether he's going to be available or not to play," the Arsenal head coach added.
The uncertainty around Rice’s fitness leaves Arsenal fans in suspense, especially with the significance of the upcoming fixture against a formidable Chelsea side. The Gunners’ midfield has been solid this season, with Rice emerging as a crucial figure in Arteta’s setup. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to dictate the pace of the game, Rice’s presence has provided Arsenal with a stable foundation, and his absence could leave a noticeable gap in the squad.
Rice’s potential unavailability places additional responsibility on other members of Arsenal’s midfield. Players like Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, and Jorginho may be required to step up and cover the defensive and ball-recovery roles that Rice has excelled in since joining the club. The absence of Rice would also limit Arsenal’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, as he has been instrumental in breaking up opposition plays and initiating counterattacks.
For Arteta, the decision to risk playing Rice, even if he’s partially fit, is a challenging one. With a long season still ahead, rushing a player back from an injury as delicate as a potential broken toe could have consequences down the line. Arteta has shown in the past that he is cautious about player fitness, and his reluctance to confirm Rice’s involvement reflects his careful approach. Arsenal has already faced issues with injuries this season, and the manager will likely be wary of aggravating Rice's condition by bringing him back too soon.
The Chelsea-Arsenal fixture is one that always carries weight and significance in the Premier League, especially considering the rivalry between the two London clubs. A win for Arsenal could strengthen their standing near the top of the table and maintain momentum in their bid for the title. On the other hand, Chelsea, despite their inconsistencies, have shown flashes of brilliance under Mauricio Pochettino and will aim to capitalize on Arsenal’s injury struggles. Stamford Bridge will undoubtedly be a challenging venue, and the pressure on both teams to secure a positive result only adds to the anticipation surrounding the game.
Should Rice miss the game, his absence might open the door for other players in the Arsenal squad to prove their worth. Jorginho, who previously captained Chelsea, could see an increased role in midfield, providing experience and familiarity with the surroundings at Stamford Bridge. His experience and tactical awareness could be valuable assets, especially in a high-stakes game. However, Jorginho’s style of play differs from Rice’s, as he typically operates in a deeper, more controlled role rather than the aggressive ball-winning style that Rice brings. This shift could influence Arsenal's approach and may require tactical adjustments from Arteta to compensate.
For Declan Rice, missing the Chelsea game would be particularly disappointing on a personal level. Having spent his formative years at Chelsea’s youth academy, returning to Stamford Bridge as an Arsenal player would have carried special meaning. Since leaving Chelsea, Rice has become one of England's most prominent midfielders, first making a name for himself at West Ham United before his high-profile move to Arsenal. His journey from a young hopeful at Chelsea to a leader in the Arsenal lineup has been remarkable, and the opportunity to face his former club would undoubtedly be significant.
Rice’s injury is a reminder of the physical demands placed on players in modern football, especially those who play pivotal roles in their teams. Arsenal’s medical team will be crucial in assessing his readiness and determining the safest course of action. Given Arteta’s cautious tone, it seems that Arsenal may prioritize Rice’s long-term fitness over the urgency of the Chelsea clash, focusing on a full recovery to prevent further complications.
The injury update from Arteta has left Arsenal fans and football enthusiasts speculating about the final lineup Arteta will field on Sunday. With Chelsea also looking to exploit any weaknesses in Arsenal’s squad, the game promises to be a tactical battle. Arteta’s comments about Rice’s injury reflect a manager who understands the balance between pushing for immediate results and safeguarding his players' health for the long haul. If Rice isn’t ready for Sunday, his teammates will need to rally and show that Arsenal’s midfield can still thrive even in the absence of one of their most valuable players.
In the grand scheme, missing one game, albeit a big one, could be a wise decision if it allows Rice to recover fully and return stronger for the challenges ahead. As Arsenal fans await the official lineup announcement, Arteta’s words will continue to resonate, leaving room for both hope and caution regarding Rice’s potential appearance at Stamford Bridge.
With Rice unavailable for the clash with Inter, Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey and Leandro Trossard occupied the central positions at San Siro, but a nightmare evening for the former saw him denied a penalty at one end, concede one at the other and be taken off at half time.
Merino felt the full force of Yann Sommer's fists in the first penalty incident, which was waved away, before he was found guilty of a handball inside the Arsenal area, allowing Hakan Calhanoglu to stroke home the game-winning spot kick.
After Merino was replaced at the break, ex-Chelsea man Havertz was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Yann Bisseck and was left with blood pouring down his shirt as he departed late on.
Havertz did not appear to be concussed - rather he just suffered a nasty cut - but Arteta was customarily tight-lipped on the pair's fitness as well, adding: "We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see how they react.
Amid the fresh concerns for Rice, Merino and Havertz, Arsenal received one piece of good news in midweek, as Martin Odegaard was fit enough to come off the bench in added-on time following his severe ankle injury.
Asked whether the Norway captain was an option to start on Sunday, Arteta replied: "Everybody that is in the squad is going to be fit and available to start the game, so then it will be a decision whether it is too early or the right moment for him to make that step again."
Kai had quite a nasty cut and he could not continue. With Mikel, to be fair the day before he wasn't feeling great and we decided to sub him at half time."
Is Martin Odegaard available to start against Chelsea?
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