Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is pushing to play in Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea, despite suffering a broken toe during last weekend’s loss to Newcastle.
This Declan Rice injury update comes as a critical moment for Arsenal, who are grappling with a dip in form and need all hands on deck for the London derby.
Declan Rice Injury Update
Rice sustained the injury to his toe in a physical encounter with Newcastle in the Premier League last Saturday, which Arsenal lost in a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Since then, Rice has been struggling with the pain, reportedly finding it difficult even to put on a boot. His injury kept him out of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Inter Milan midweek, where the Gunners suffered another loss.
Despite these setbacks, Rice is pushing to play against Chelsea this Sunday. The England midfielder is integral to this Arsenal side, who are eager to regain their footing after managing just one win in their last four outings.
However, his ability to perform at his best remains in question, as he has been unable to train this week up to now.
For manager Mikel Arteta, the decision on whether to risk Rice against Chelsea will be a delicate balancing act—one that weighs the immediate importance of the derby against the risk of aggravating the injury.
Declan Rice Named In England Squad Despite Injury
Rice’s dedication isn’t just limited to Arsenal. The midfielder has also been named in England’s squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, is dealing with limited options due to injuries to regulars like John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Kobbie Mainoo, making Rice’s availability even more important.
Despite his injury, Rice remains determined to pull on the England shirt if his condition doesn’t worsen following the Chelsea match.
With England needing his experience and Arsenal relying on him to anchor their midfield, both teams will be cautious about managing his recovery.