Declan Rice’s injury severity revealed ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Brighton

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Declan Rice’s early withdrawal against Chelsea is understood to be because of a fatigue issue rather than a serious injury.

The Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 to win back-to-back London derbies and, most importantly, keep pressure on Manchester City.

Now Arsenal need to go and win at the Amex against Brighton, which they might have to do without Rice.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that Rice will be assessed after he was taken off in the 76th minute against Chelsea in some discomfort.

An injury expert shared their thoughts on Rice’s issue, predicting that the midfielder suffered muscle tightness.

Journalist James McNicholas has since revealed what he’s heard about the Englishman’s fitness ahead of the trip to Brighton.

“Well, from what I’ve heard on Declan Rice, it’s nothing particularly serious. I think fatigue is an issue at this point in time,” McNicholas said on the Arseblog podcast.

It’s good news, but it should also sound alarm bells for Arteta, who has two exhausted, but essential, midfielders.

• READ MORE: Chris Sutton suggests Brighton game ‘won’t be easy’ for Arsenal because of Declan Rice

Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are clearly fatigued ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Brighton

Also on the podcast, McNicholas acknowledged that it’s not only Rice who is carrying fatigue, but Martin Zubimendi, too.

“I think fatigue looks to be a bit of an issue for both him and Martin Zubimendi, who have just played an absolutely extraordinary amount of football.”

McNicholas is spot on, the duo have played arguably too much, given that the room has been there for Arteta to rotate.

Is this Arsenal’s best starting XI if Declan Rice is not fit to face Brighton?

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Only three of Arsenal’s outfield players have exceeded the 3,000-minute mark in all competitions this season, and it’s no surprise that it’s three players whose form has varied in recent weeks.

Zubimendi has been making mistakes, Rice was just forced off injured, and the third, Jurrien Timber, hasn’t looked entirely convincing.

Arsenal fans will be relieved that Rice’s injury is not severe, but fatigue must be taken as seriously, giving Arteta a tough decision to make against Brighton.