Declan Rice sustained an injury in today’s north London derby as Arsenal were held to 2-2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal will be frustrated by today’s result against their bitter rivals Spurs. However, things could be set to get even worse for Mikel Arteta if Declan Rice is set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Gunners’ £105 million club-record summer signing was named in the starting XI and produced a solid first half display. Rice demonstrated his power and physicality in the middle of the park as Arsenal dominated the majority of the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the 24-year-old did not come back out for the second half, with Jorginho on from the bench to take his place at the base of the midfield unit.
Jorginho himself endured a nightmare half. Immediately after Bukayo Saka’s penalty put the hosts back in front, the 31-year-old got caught on the ball by James Maddison to who rolled a pass through for Son Heung-min to equalise in rapid fashion.
Jorginho never really settled in the game, and was conservative in his passing. Arsenal certainly missed the presence of Rice in the second half of this grudge match.
Arteta discusses Rice injury
After the match, Arteta was asked if the 45-cap England international had sustained a serious injury. As quoted by Sky Sports, the Spanish coach said, “hopefully not, we have to assess him. It’s strange for someone like him to come off.”
Arsenal will be desperate to see Rice back in action soon, especially with Thomas Partey still struggling with a fitness concern on his own.
The north London club have a busy period ahead, with a huge fixture against Manchester City coming up on October 8th. They will be hoping desperately that Rice is available for that match.
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