Thursday, December 5, 2024

Rice ruled out of Inter clash

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.”

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Zenithreptile

Oh fucking great.

UzesGoonsr

That’s why we bought Merino. Chill

ALBangBang

Yeah he’s (understandably) not fully settled in yet. I hope he has a good game tonight, because he hasn’t quite hit the ground running so far.

Spanish Gooner

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.

yen

By the way, Kiwior at LB was a big part of this period too.

Just why he’s suddenly so down the pecking order, I don’t know.

Ash

Totally agree, Timber at RB, and Kiwior at LB, seems a better option than Partey at RB, and Timber as LB

Sean

He was solid, but really benefited from the whole team being in a groove. Then was really found out against Bayern, and his level started to show once the tired. Basically I’d trust him in a groove, but not to change our fortunes in a funk.

Sean

Balls, once the team* tired. I’m clearly in a funk this morning with some of the Arsenal gloom the past few days 😔

Chris

He’s been struggling of late for form but we would miss him against Chelsea

Matthinc

Yeah he’s looked a shadow of his former self. Need more from him. Dare I say it Arsenal looked a bit ‘englandy’ against Newcastle.

BelgianGooner

Let’s not take unnecessary risks. I am sure Jorginho will do well tomorrow and Dec will be ready for Sunday.

Man Manny

Dec did not travel with the team, so no risk there at all.

Chipper49

Ffs. It’s never ending.

Ebo

Probably better this way, send cooked Rice to Italy and he might come as Risotto.

Fireman Sam

Bravo!!

Sean

Oh thank fuck… since the Califiori injury we’ve not had any shite team news. I was beginning to worry.

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