LONDON — Arsenal suffered a big blow in the north London derby as Declan Rice was forced off at half time of the 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
They never recovered from losing Rice at half time.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Rice suffered a back injury and the England international midfielder looked disappointed as he was walking around the Emirates Stadium after the game and didn’t respond to questions about his back injury.
What is the latest?
Mikel Arteta spoke to reporters ahead of Arsenal’s League Cup clash against Brentford on Wednesday, and gave the following update on Rice.
Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice injury: "He hasn't trained yet. Hopefully it is nothing big...We are confident [it is nothing big]. He is still uncomfortable and he had to leave the pitch. For a player like him, never a good sign. Hopefully he can progress in the next few days." #AFC
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) September 26, 2023
Speaking to our partners Sky Sports after the game, Arteta discussed Rice’s injury as Jorginho replaced him in midfield at half time.
“He was really uncomfortable during the game. He had a back issue,” Arteta said. “We had to take him off.”
Arteta added in his post-match press conference that “Declan is not feeling good” and that is a big concern.
On Monday, reports from various outlets, including this one from ESPN, say that Rice’s back injury is still giving him discomfort but that it is not believe to be a serious issue.
Per that report, it says that Rice is likely to miss Arsenal’s EFL Cup clash against Brentford on Wednesday and it is unknown if he will be fit enough to travel to Bournemouth on Saturday. It is believe ‘any absence will be short’ for Rice.
How big of an issue is this for Arsenal?
It is huge.
Rice was missed massively in the second half as Jorginho not only made a big mistake to allow Tottenham to make it 2-2, he also failed to stop Bissouma and Sarr taking control of central midfield.
😅 That was fun. Arsenal lost control in the second half and Tottenham were worthy of at least a point.
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) September 24, 2023
Recap, video highlights, analysis here ➡️ https://t.co/VvEQLHJ840
My thoughts on a WILDDDD north London derby ⤵️ #AFC #THFC pic.twitter.com/dwZSOAYt4b
Arsenal’s midfield already looks weaker this season with Granit Xhaka gone and Thomas Partey injured and Rice was the one player providing defensively solidity and steel to balance their incredible attacking talents.
Arteta must now hope the man he’s built his midfield around, and trusted to provide balance for the entire team, is not out for long and the initial signs are that he may just miss a few games and nothing more.
That would be fantastic news for Arsenal and Rice being off the pitch for the second half on Sunday underlined his importance to the Gunners and their hopes and dreams for this season.