Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Declan Rice remains a major doubt for Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Chelsea.
Softfootball understands that the England midfielder sustained a toe injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend and has been struggling to regain full fitness ahead of the London derby.
Arteta revealed that Rice is still experiencing discomfort and will undergo a late fitness assessment before a final decision is made on his availability for the Stamford Bridge clash.
The Arsenal boss explained that the midfielder has been unable to train normally because of the injury and the club’s medical team will continue to monitor his condition over the coming days.
Rice has been one of Arsenal’s most influential performers this season, making his potential absence a significant concern as the Gunners look to bounce back from recent disappointing results.
Arsenal head into Sunday’s encounter under pressure, knowing that another setback could deal a major blow to their Premier League title ambitions.
