Arsenal dealt with a virus in the build-up to their game against Brighton at the weekend, with Declan Rice particularly affected.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on December 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on December 17, 2023. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal’s preparations for the weekend game against Brighton were impacted by a virus affecting a number of players.

At one stage, Declan Rice’s participation in the game was in doubt, but the midfielder ended up overcoming the illness to feature in the match.

Gabriel Martinelli had been ill earlier in the week, missing the clash with PSV Eindhoven, and it seems the virus then spread to other members of the squad.

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Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard (C) runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 17, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Fortunately, Rice didn’t show any ill effects as Arsenal took on Brighton, going on to win the Arsenal Player of the Match award.

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Rice completed 91% of his passes, including all of his attempted long balls. He made three interceptions and two tackles, without being dribbled past once. He even had a couple of shots, despite his role deep in midfield.

The summer signing is proving a midfield powerhouse for the Gunners this season, and it was no different on Sunday.

LUTON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's fourth goal to make it 4-3 during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Arsenal FC at Kenilworth Road on December 05, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LUTON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s fourth goal to make it 4-3 during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Arsenal FC at Kenilworth Road on December 05, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

With Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny all out injured at the weekend, Arsenal really had no choice but to use Rice, if that was at all possible.

The Gunners now have a little break in midweek before the trip to Anfield, and Mikel Arteta will hope that’s enough time to get at least one of the injured trio back.

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