Arsenal hope to have Declan Rice back in action after injury in time for the weekend’s match against Bournemouth, according to reports, but Mikel Arteta didn’t seem so sure as he spoke to the media.
Arsenal’s record summer signing Declan Rice was withdrawn at half-time of the north London derby at the weekend, with Mikel Arteta confirming afterwards that the midfielder was struggling with a back issue.
Sami Mokbel then reported for the Daily Mail that Rice’s movement became more restricted as his pain intensified overnight, but the news has been much more positive since then.
Such pain is reportedly not uncommon for back injuries, and Mokbel added that concerns that the injury is serious were easing on Monday afternoon.
Nick Ames wrote for The Guardian that the injury is not serious, and the player hopes to be back for the visit to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Art de Roche added for The Athletic that Rice is still in some pain, and he’ll continue to be assessed and treated in the coming days. But tests have confirmed no serious injury.
Football.London described the injury as a “minor one”, and both they and Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reiterated that Rice could be in action again by the weekend.
Rice has started every Arsenal game this season, for a total of eight appearances in all competitions.
The former West Ham man also played both England games over the international break, putting him in double figures for starts already.
But this is nothing unusual for the 24-year-old, after he played 50 club games last season.
Speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup game at Brentofrd, Arteta said, “He hasn’t trained yet.
“He could not carry on in the game. Hopefully it’s not something big. We are confident. He is still uncomfortable and he had to leave the pitch which is never a good sign. It’s still doubtful.”
Arteta also ruled out Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, saying about the former, “No. For tomorrow it’s too short. Let’s see.”
About Trossard, he added, “Won’t be available. Let’s see how he improves day by day. He did some activity and that’s why he felt it. It was uncomfortable to.”
Arteta also gave an update of sorts on Thomas Partey, saying, “Still not available. It’s a long list! Still not. The same with Jurrien.
“It’s the situation that we have at moment we have to adapt. The squad we have at the moment is really short and we have to cope.”