Declan Rice has a broken toe, but the Arsenal midfielder is determined to keep playing for Arsenal and England despite the injury.

Declan Rice’s toe was fractured during Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United, causing Rice to miss the Champions League game against Inter Milan with Arsenal saying it was a ‘minor’ foot injury.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice and Ben White of Arsenal look dejected after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Declan Rice and Ben White of Arsenal look dejected after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

According to Friday’s edition of the Telegraph, Rice is hopeful of being fit for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

Rice may play on with broken toe The Daily Telegraph8 Nov 2024By Matt Law Declan Rice is preparing to push through the pain barrier and try to play for Arsenal and England despite breaking his toe. Rice missed Arsenal’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan with the fractured toe suffered in the defeat by Newcastle United last weekend. But the midfielder has been included in Lee Carsley’s England squad for the Nations League internationals against Greece and Republic of Ireland. Rice has been unable to train this week and could not put a boot on the foot of his injured toe. The midfielder, however, could face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Should he come through that game unscathed, Rice is also ready to play for England. Article Name:Rice may play on with broken toe Publication:The Daily Telegraph Author:By Matt Law Start Page:5 End Page:5
Daily Telegraph, 8 November 2024

If he manages to come through that game without any issues, he plans to join Lee Carsley’s England squad for the Nations League fixtures. He has been called up along with Bukayo Saka.

Fractured toes can greatly hinder balance, mobility, and striking power. Medical experts typically advise four to six weeks of rest, but Rice’s decision to play shows his commitment and Arsenal’s need to get their season back on track.

Rice has earned a reputation for being tough, but pushing too hard now could risk more serious, long-term issues.

Arsenal will need to weigh up his eagerness to play against the risk to his overall health, especially given their demanding fixture list and the ground they already need to make up in the title race.

The Chelsea match will be a key indicator of Rice’s fitness. Should he get through unscathed, it will bode well for both Arsenal and England.

However, if there are complications, he could face a longer spell on the sidelines, which is a situation Arsenal can ill afford.

Full England squad

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England reacts as he leaves the field to be substituted after receiving medical treatment to an injury during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England reacts as he leaves the field to be substituted after receiving medical treatment to an injury during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).