Declan Rice missed Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa due to a knee injury picked up against Brighton and he could be a doubt for the weekend’s game against AFC Bournemouth
Footage of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice apparently discussing his knee injury with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has surfaced on social media, raising alarm bells about the extent of his knee problem. Rice was absent from the Gunners’ 4-1 triumph over Villa in the Premier League earlier this week after sustaining the issue during the victory against Brighton.
The England international was present at the Emirates Stadium to witness the win after reports emerged before kick-off that he would be sidelined. Worries initially arose when Rice was nowhere to be seen in Monday’s training session.
The injury is believed to have occurred during his outstanding performance as an improvised right-back against the Seagulls. There had been optimism that he would be available to face Villa, but he wasn’t included in the matchday squad.
READ MORE: Calafiori, Rice, Mosquera – Latest Arsenal injury news and return dates after Aston Villa win
Providing a pre-match update, Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports : “Declan got a big kick in his knee during the match [against Brighton], at the start of the match actually, and by the time he finished the match he had a massive swell up.
“The game [against Villa] was too early for him to be able to consider.”, reports Football London. When questioned whether it was a short-term setback for Rice, the Arsenal manager responded: “I think so. “I hope that when the swelling comes out he can function [and] he will be fine. We miss Riccy [Calafiori] as well today.”
Following the victory, Arteta was quizzed about whether he anticipated Rice being in the squad for the weekend trip to Bournemouth. “Depends,” he replied.
“So that swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function. He wasn’t able to do that today yet, he’s improving, but let’s see what happens in the next couple of days.”
Arteta is expected to provide another update on his midfield talisman in his pre-match press conference this week. Nevertheless, footage has surfaced on social media capturing Rice chatting with England colleague Rogers after the match.
Whilst it’s not entirely obvious what Rice mentions, he does gesture towards his knee and appears to indicate that it was inflamed. The clip has triggered worry among fans online.
Thankfully, the midfielder doesn’t seem to be hobbling as he heads down the tunnel.
Rice has voiced his thoughts since being absent for the triumph over Villa, turning to social media to commend his colleagues for their outstanding display. He posted on Instagram: “This team! ! ! ! We keep going [three red love heart emojis].”
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