“Mikel Arteta Breaks Silence on Declan Rice’s Injury: How Long Will He Be Out?”
“Mikel Arteta Reveals Declan Rice’s Expected Time on Sidelines After Injury Blow”
Mikel Arteta has provided the latest update on Declan Rice’s injury ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Inter Milan. Rice, who sustained a knock during Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle, will miss the trip to Milan, and his availability for the Premier League match against Chelsea remains uncertain. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been a regular for Arsenal this season aside from a suspension against Tottenham, was absent from training and did not board the flight to Italy.
Arteta confirmed in a Tuesday press conference that Rice’s discomfort has persisted since the Newcastle game and that further assessments will be conducted later in the week to determine his status for Chelsea.
“Declan Rice unfortunately picked up an injury against Newcastle,” Arteta explained. “He finished the game but hasn’t felt quite right since. We’ll evaluate him on Thursday and make a decision about his readiness for the Chelsea game.”
On a brighter note, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is nearing full recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out since early September. Odegaard returned to training and joined the squad for the Inter match, with Arteta hinting at a potential appearance.
Arsenal’s defensive ranks have also improved with Gabriel Magalhaes back in action, though defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still sidelined. Arsenal has been solid in the Champions League, securing seven points in three games without conceding, setting up a compelling clash against an in-form Inter Milan, who are also riding high with seven points in their group.
