Mikel Arteta Gives Update On Declan Rice’s Injury

The manager of Arsenal football club, Mikel Arteta, is hoping that Declan Rice’s injury is not as severe as it is being anticipated.

During the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 25, Rice, who is currently the most expensive player in Arsenal’s history, was substituted at halftime.

The £105million summer signing, who had not missed any Arsenal game since he joined the club from West Ham United, was later seen on the bench with his legs strapped.

Before the end of the game, speculations started going viral that the 24-year-old England international had suffered either an ankle injury or a hamstring injury.

However, after the north London derby, which ended in a 2-2 draw, coach Mikel Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice complained of back pain while he was on the pitch. The coach added that further medical checks are needed to ascertain the severity of the injury.

The Spanish tactician said, “He had some discomfort in his back.”

“He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable, and when we assessed him at half-time, he could not continue, so we had to change him.”

When Mikel Arteta was asked whether Rice suffered a short-term or a medium-term injury, the coach said: “Hopefully not. We have to assess him.”

“It’s strange when a player like him asks to come off because he’s uncomfortable. Hopefully not, but let’s see.”

So far this season, Declan Rice has played in all of Arsenal’s 6 Premier League games and has recorded a goal. If his recent fitness issue is anything to go by, Rice might not be available for Arsenal’s EFL third-round game against Brentford on Wednesday, September 27, and probably the league game against Bournemouth on Saturday, September 30.