Arsenal are set to take on Inter Milan in the Champions League but they will have to do so without Declan Rice. One of their best players in the squad, the Gunners suffer significantly in the absence of the Englishman and this could have a bearing impact on their game against the Serie A club.
Since moving to the club last summer, Rice has established himself as a mainstay for Mikel Arteta and is an indispensable asset. It is not just his game from open play that the Gunners will miss but he is also their designated corner taker from the left flag, which is a technique Arteta’s team use extensively to their advantage.
Thus, it would come as a worry to fans that Rice is set to miss out on the Inter clash. Arsenal also have an important game against Chelsea coming up in the weekend, as they look to return to winning ways after the disappointing loss to Newcastle United last weekend.
So, how serious is Rice’s injury?
Breathe easy, Arsenal fans! Rice is missing the trip to Milan as a precaution. He is not going to be out for long and if everything goes well, he will be back in the squad for the game against Chelsea at the end of this week.
Rice was spotted training individually and doing light work yesterday as the squad prepared for the Inter game. Ultimately, one would have to say that Arteta has taken the wiser call by resting the English defensive midfielder in a bid to have him available for Chelsea.
Arsenal find themselves in a tricky position in the league. They cannot afford to drop points considering how far they already have fallen off. Compared to the Champions League where they are in a relatively comfortable position, they are on choppy waters when it comes to the league.
Jorginho or Thomas Partey are likely to replace Rice in midfield against Inter Milan. Should they fail to win without the 25-year-old, then so be it, as long as they can have him available against Chelsea. That game is a must win for the Gunners, in the context of the current season.
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It remains to be seen how Rice goes about recovering from his knock. He will want to return as soon as possible as he knows how important he is to the team. Let’s wait and see how it plays out.
