Arsenal and English midfielder Declan Rice will miss his team’s upcoming tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the defensive midfielder would not be a part of the traveling squad.
Rice missed the training session on Tuesday morning at London Colney after he picked up a knock in the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United. Arsenal has been ravaged by injuries as players like Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori have missed several matches this season.
Despite featuring in all of Arsenal’s Champions League matches this season, Rice has been ruled out for the upcoming away clash at San Siro.
What has Mikel Arteta said about Declan Rice injury?
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is the latest injury concern for manager Mikel Arteta and further tests will determine the Englishman’s availability for the London derby at Chelsea on Sunday.
“Declan unfortunately has picked up an injury against Newcastle. He was able to finish the game but he wasn’t feeling good in the last few days so we have to assess him on Thursday to understand whether he will be fit or not for the weekend.”
“It was a knock so it’s a problem with his foot. He wasn’t comfortable with it so at the moment he’s not fit.”
But Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta will be boosted with the return of Martin Odegaard who has recovered from his ankle injury and has been out of action since September. The Norwegian has resumed full training and his return provides Arsenal a creative option in the midfield.
“The positive news, Martin, it’s great to have him back,” the Spaniard said.
“He trained with us first time today. He’s a bit earlier than expected. But it’s great to have him here and we will decide if we use him tomorrow.”