Declan Rice is expected to be fit to start for Arsenal this weekend, despite missing the international break with an injury concern.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice pulled out of the international break with an injury, after initially being called up by Thomas Tuchel and England, but the problem isn’t believed to be too serious.
George Flood reports for The Standard that Rice’s withdrawal is thought to be as a result of load management, rather than any new injury.
The same report adds that Rice is expected to be fit to start when Arsenal face Leeds United this weekend.
England captain Harry Kane was quick to defend Rice over his withdrawal earlier in the break, saying: “Look, everyone has their own situation. I know how tough the summer was and I know especially in the Premier League how gruelling that schedule is.
“I’m in a different situation now where I have the winter break and I have moments to recharge and refresh. Some of the players don’t get that.
“I spoke to Dec, and I know Dec goes far and beyond for the club and country, so I know how much he gives and I know he’s been struggling for a while with his issues.
“Someone like Dec has to get himself sorted and get himself fresh, and he has big games for club, big games for country coming up.
“Dec just reached out to me just personally. He just sent me a message, just kind of voice noted me. They don’t have to talk to me. I know they spoke to the coach.”
Rice completed his last appearance for Arsenal against Brighton and Hove Albion, so there was no obvious warning that he might be about to pull out of the international break.
But it’s well known that the midfielder has been struggling with a niggling neural hamstring issue in recent months, and he seemingly needed the time off to help deal with that.
As long as the 27-year-old has used the break to get plenty of rest and to be ready for the Leeds game, there’s likely little for Arsenal fans to worry about in this case.
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