Declan Rice injury update: Mikel Arteta admits it was ‘strange’ to see Arsenal star limp out of north London derby

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted it was ‘strange’ to see Declan Rice limp out of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham with a back injury.

The club’s record signing has made an outstanding start to his Arsenal career but looked off the pace during a typically frenetic opening 45 minutes against Spurs.

Sky initially reported that Rice was nursing a calf injury, but the Arsenal manager later revealed the former West Ham skipper has hurt his back.

Speaking at his post match press conference, Arteta said: ‘Rice had some discomfort in his back. He was telling us during the first half he was not comfortable. So we’ll see.’

Fabio Vieira also fails to emerge for second half

Fabio Vieira also failed to emerge at the start of the second period but Arteta insisted his substitution wasn’t injury related.

He said: ‘No, Fabio wasn’t injured, that was a tactical decision.’

Injuries beginning to mount for Arsenal

The injuries are beginning to mount for Arsenal who are already without the likes of Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Arteta added: ‘It was already a test today because we are missing five big players but it is what he have. As well have to trust and give opportunities to the other ones. We have a game every three days and that’s the level you have to show and go for it.’

Conclusion

Declan Rice’s injury is a blow for Arsenal as they look to continue their impressive start to the season. With several key players already out, Arteta will be hoping that Rice’s injury isn’t too serious and that he will be able to return to action soon. In the meantime, Arsenal will have to rely on their squad depth to get them through this difficult period.