Declan Rice has not travelled with Arsenal to face Inter Milan on Wednesday night, having picked up an injury which also makes him a doubt for Sunday’s trip to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking the press in Italy this evening, Mikel Arteta said, “Declan unfortunately picked an injury against Newcastle. He was able to finish and he wasn’t feeling good the last few days.
“We’ll have to assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea. It’s a problem on his foot. He wasn’t comfortable to put his boots on.
“So at the moment he’s not fit.”
Having started every Arsenal game he was available for this season apart from the EFL Cup tie against Preston, his absence will give Mikel Arteta some thinking to do about the construction of his midfield against the Italian champions.
The Gunners are also without Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu, but there was good news as Martin Odegaard has made the squad.
The captain hasn’t pulled on the red and white since the 1-1 draw with Brighton on August 31st, after which he sustained the ankle injury while on international duty which has seen him miss 12 games. He returned to training today, and while it’s probably a bit early for him to start, he should be able to play some part at the San Siro tomorrow night.
On the Norwegian, Arteta said, “He’s a bit earlier than expected. But it’s great to have him here and we will decide if we use him tomorrow.”
Oh fucking great.
Looking forward to seeing Jorginho get game time in that case. I think we really benefit from somebody of his technical security and passing abilities while Odegaard is out, and I haven’t forgotten how good the post-Dubai period was with him starting every game last season.
He’s been struggling of late for form but we would miss him against Chelsea
Let’s not take unnecessary risks. I am sure Jorginho will do well tomorrow and Dec will be ready for Sunday.
Ffs. It’s never ending.
Probably better this way, send cooked Rice to Italy and he might come as Risotto.