Arsenal are back in Premier League action against Nottingham Forest, but there is one notable absence from the starting XI.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka pulled out of the England squad during the International break after they were both withdrawn in Arsenal’s draw with Chelsea.
Rice went into the Chelsea clash struggling with a broken toe, but he was pictured arriving with the Arsenal squad, indicating that he may have been ready to start against Nottingham Forest.
However, he has been named on the bench, with Jorginho, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard starting ahead of him, and the reason for this has now emerged.
Why Declan Rice is on the bench for Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
Football.London have now reported that Arsenal are “understood to be being cautious” over Rice after his recent injuries, and him dropping to the bench is related to his conditioning rather than his performances.
Rice was far from his best against Chelsea, but this comes with the caveat that he was playing with a broken toe, and some may argue that he should not have started the game as a result.
Arsenal have now taken the decision to bench him, with other options now available, and they are still fielding a strong midfield.
Arsenal’s new-look midfield vs Nottingham Forest
This is the first time Jorginho, Merino and Odegaard have all started together in midfield for Arsenal, and it is certainly an intriguing prospect.
Thomas Partey is in good form after a run of excellent performances, but has dropped to the bench in place of Jorginho, who is making his third Premier League start of the season.
Odegaard is back from his long-term injury, whilst Merino will be the one to provide physicality in the middle of the park.
Merino and Odegaard are also starting together for the first time since they both played for Real Sociedad, and Arsenal are getting closer to the ideal shape Arteta wants.
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