Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted that he was still doubtful whether Declan Rice would be ready for Sunday’s big London derby against Chelsea. The 25-year-old midfielder reportedly picked up a toe injury in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle and missed Arsenal’s midweek Champions League defeat against Inter Milan. Though British media reports claimed Rice could push through to play, Arteta declined to offer any updates.
“There is no clarity yet. He hasn’t trained, so we’ll see if he’s available,” said Arteta on Friday. Equally guarded was he on the possibility of a starting role for captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian midfielder, 25 – like Saka – only returned to action recently following a two-month lay-off with an ankle injury and may be pressed into service.
Forward Kai Havertz and midfielder Mikel Merino are both still under observation after picking up problems midweek, with Havertz nursing a cut and Merino subbed off at half-time due to discomfort.
Despite Arsenal’s recent setbacks, Arteta dismissed concerns over their form and title prospects, stressing that a “reset” wasn’t on the cards. “Nobody works harder than me. We don’t need a reset. It’s about fine-tuning,” he said.
Fifth-place Arsenal are now seven points behind leaders Liverpool, while Chelsea remain fourth courtesy of their superior goal difference.
