Declan Rice
ARSEngland
Right
Jan 14, 1999
27
6'2"
185 lb
CM
RB
Deep-Lying Playmaker
ArsenalCould be available against Sporting
Rice (undisclosed) is back in training with the first team Monday and could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League first leg against Sporting CP, according to BeanymanSports.
Analysis: Rice could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League first leg against Sporting CP after training with the first team Monday following recent precautionary management. The midfielder remains a crucial presence in the middle with his defensive work, ball progression and set-piece duties, recording five goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, and could provide stability in midfield if available.
Unavailable Saturday
Rice (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Analysis: Rice is unavailable for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton after returning early from international duty for medical assessment. The midfielder is being preserved as a precaution, with the focus on keeping him fit for upcoming league and Champions League matches, with Christian Norgaard starting in midfield in his absence.
Leaves England Camp
Rice has departed the England national team for a medical assessment, according to his national team.
Analysis: Rice is back with his club in London after a few days with the England national team, leaving as he awaits medical assessment. This looks to be a cautionary move from the midfielder, not wanting to risk injury as he is likely to already start for the Three Lions. His focus will now be on the league and UCL title, preserving his health for those competitions at the moment.
Secures win with insurance goal
Rice scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
Analysis: Rice tallied a goal in the second half to give Arsenal some insurance in this Champions League tie. The midfielder was strong overall with four crosses and three corners to go along with his goal, and he'll be expected to keep this effort up against Man City in the EFL Cup final on Sunday. Man City have been inconsistent of late but they are still a side with a +32 goal differential on the year.
Poor in service
Rice registered six crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Brighton.
Analysis: Rice's crossing volume was typical but his accuracy was not there. He's probably not going to play Saturday in the FA Cup game to keep him fresh for the UCL clash against Bayer Leverkusen, and he'll need to be on point for that contest. Leverkusen has allowed just 29 goals in 24 league games, though they did concede 14 goals in eight UCL group stage games.
Late call to face Seagulls
Rice (undisclosed) is a late call for Wednesday's match against Brighton, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "I hope [he is available]. He was much better today. Obviously, we haven't really trained because we have only two days to prepare for the game. So hopefully, it's going to be better tomorrow."
Analysis: Rice had to leave late into Sunday's contest and was deemed to have asked for the substitution, raising some worries that he is injured. The midfielder is now in a race to be fit for Wednesday, a bit of a late call with the club not training much the past two days, just hoping he can see a clean bill of health when waking up. As a regular starter, this could be a major loss, leaving Christian Norgaard as a possible replacement despite only three starts all season.
Asks for substitution, injury scare
Rice is heading in for further testing after he asked for a substitution in the 76th minute of Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, according to manager Mikel Arteta, per James Olley of ESPN.
Analysis: Rice would need to leave the field not too far fromt he full time whistle, asking for a substitute, and now worried about a possible injury. He will head in for further testing, so this will be a major watch for the club. With a game coming quickly against Brighton on Wednesday, there is a decent chance he could miss out if this is even a little concerning, leaving Christian Norgaard as a possible replacement.
Tallies assist
Rice assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Rice was less pronounced in this match, but he did get credited with an assist in the 2-2 draw. He'll need to be more assertive in the midfield against Tottenham, but Spurs are a favorable matchup as they have not won a league game in 2026 and have given up 37 goals in 26 EPL matches.
Creates three chances
Rice crosses three times (two accurate) and created three chances during Thursday's 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Analysis: Rice was held off the scoresheet, but led Arsenal with three chances created in the match. The midfielder has combined for nine chances created, 11 crosses and four tackles over his last three starts but hasn't had a goal involvement since January 3rd.
Season high four interceptions
Rice had one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Rice led his team with a season-high four interceptions and created three chances while attempting one shot from outside the box. The midfielder has now created at least three chances in each of his last four league games while attempting 19 crosses, maintaining his role as a key outlet from set pieces, which has been one of the team's most effective weapons this season. Although he has not recorded a league assist since late November against Spurs, he contributed two assists in the recent FA Cup tie against Chelsea, one in each leg.
Eligible after UCL suspension
Rice is set to return from a one-game ban he served in Wednesday's Champions League win over Kairat.
Analysis: Rice will likely claim his starting spot back with the suspension allowing him to rest during the busy period. In that case, Christian Norgaard should be expected to return to a bench spot in both league and UCL play for the remainder of the season. The England international will also look to retain set-piece duties, which could keep his attacking value high in future games. He previously scored four goals and five assists over 28 club appearances this season.
Set for suspension
Rice will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of three yellow cards in the Champions League.
Analysis: Rice accumulated three yellow cards in the Champions League and will be suspended for the last league phase game against Kairat next Wednesday. His absence will impact the starting squad since he has been an undisputed starter in the midfield for the Gunners, with Eberechi Eze or Kai Havertz as the main options to replace him for that game.
Strong in service
Rice generated one shot (one on goal), seven crosses (four accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Four of Rice's seven crosses were accurate but he was unable to find a teammate in a scoreless draw which cost Arsenal some ground in the title race. The midfielder will remain an integral part of the lineup Tuesday but he'll need to be better if the Gunners want to break through a stiff Inter Milan defense which has only conceded four goals in six UCL group stage matches.
Nets brace in start
Rice scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Rice got back into the starting lineup with a bang, scoring what would end up being the deciding goal as part of a brace in a 3-2 win. He might have his minutes managed with a quick turnaround Thursday against Liverpool but can still be counted on to deliver a good all-around performance in whatever capacity he takes the pitch in.
Makes lineup
Rice (knee) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match vs Bournemouth.
Analysis: Rice was able to pass fitness and make the starting Xi after dealing with a knee injury. His return will be a big boost in the attack, having recorded two goal and three assists in the 18 PL appearances.
Late call for Saturday
Rice (knee) is a late call for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We have another session today, let's see how he comes today and how he's feeling, but [the Villa game] was too early for him," the boss said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. Sometimes you get a hit and, throughout the game, you are able, with adrenaline and because you are warm, able to sustain that, and then the body reacts. It reacted probably more than we expected, unfortunately, and that's where we are."
Analysis: Rice is going to test his legs at a training session Friday, and that will determine if the midfielder can give Saturday's match a go. However, with that said, the midfielder still appears to be doubtful, with the club being cautious about his return with a thick bill of matches ahead. If he were to miss out, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi would start in the midfield in his place, potentially earning the start even if Rice is included.
Hopeful to avoid long absence
Rice (knee) "got a big kick in his knee at the start of the [Brighton] match... The game was too early for him to be able to consider.", according to coach Mikel Arteta, who added "Short-term? We think so. We're hopeful when the swelling comes down and he can start to function, he will be fine."
Analysis: Rice will need to undergo further assessment after missing Tuesday's clash with Aston Villa, but he may have a chance to return in the short term. The midfielder, who had been deployed as a right-back during his last appearance, is likely to return to his usual role and serve as a key all-around performer as soon as he's fit. However, if he remains out, there will be more opportunities for players like Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Likely to miss out with knee injury
Rice is expected to miss Tuesday's match against Aston Villa due to a knee injury, according to James McNicholas of The Athletic.
Analysis: Rice has come through for Tuesday's match with a knee injury he suffered in Saturday's win over Birghton but after efforts to get him fit, he appears likely to miss out. He is fortunately looking at a lesser absence, although the club is yet to receive a final diagnosis of his injury. With the club dealing with injuries in the right-back position and Rice starting in that spot in the last match, they will hope for the return of Jurrien Timber (undisclosed), or else they will be forced to start someone new at right-back for the first time all season.
Solid in service
Rice recorded three shots (zero on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-1 win over Brighton.
Analysis: Rice didn't threaten with his shots but did provide strong service in an good effort overall from the holding midfielder. He'll be expected to contribute on both sides of the pitch Tuesday against Aston Villa, one of only two teams to beat the Gunners this season.
Logs impressive stat line in return
Rice had three shots (one on goal), 10 crosses (one accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Rice returned to the starting lineup and put up gaudy numbers offensively, even though he didn't get a goal or assist. It was a nice showing and Rice should build on this effort against Everton Saturday as long as he doesn't have an injury setback.
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