Mikel Arteta drops Declan Rice selection hint ahead of West Ham v Arsenal

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now suggested that Declan Rice will feature against his former club.

Arsenal are set to travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in an EFL Cup clash on Wednesday evening.

This match will mark an emotional return to his former east London stomping ground for Declan Rice. The midfielder spent seven season as part of the Hammers’ first team squad, making over 200 appearances and becoming club captain, prior to his £105 million switch to the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window.

It would mean a lot to Rice to face his old side, and it seems that Mikel Arteta is willing to afford him that opportunity.

Even though the Spanish coach is likely to rotate his side heavily for this fixture, Rice seems set to be involved in some capacity.

Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta said, “he’s likely [to play]. He’s fit and can be involved. It will be his first time back at his old club and a beautiful moment I think for him,” as quoted by the club’s official website. 

Does Mikel Arteta have a plan in place for Declan Rice?

Rice has been a revelation at Arsenal since joining the club. Arteta has already earmarked him as potential future captain. He is already a fan-favourite amongst the Gunners’ supporters, and will be hoping for a warm reception from West Ham fans this week, as a gesture towards all he achieved in his time at the club.

The 46-cap England star may not start against the Irons, though. The Gunners have a hectic fixture schedule, and the midfielder will need to be fresh for the trip to Newcastle on Saturday. Jorginho may well start against West Ham in his place, with plans to bring Rice on from the bench at some point.

The main focus on Wednesday has to be on progressing in the tournament. Arsenal will fancy their chances of winning the EFL Cup, which would be a brilliant trophy for them to get their hands on.