After club legend Paul Merson shared a photograph of the midfielder with his X account, Arsenal supporters are optimistic that Declan Rice will return from injury in time to face Chelsea on Sunday.
The England international was absent from the controversial 1-0 loss to Inter on Wednesday due to allegations that he had fractured his toe.
Manager Mikel Arteta was typically evasive during Friday’s pre-match press conference, but it is believed that Rice is willing to play through the pain barrier.
When asked for an update on the club-record acquisition, Arteta responded, “I must be extremely vague on that matter, as there is no certainty regarding his fitness for the weekend.”
“[The doctor is responsible for determining whether he has a broken toe.] I can only confirm that he has not yet trained and it is uncertain whether or not he will be able to participate in the game.”
Merson, on the other hand, was back at his former location yesterday, conducting interviews with Arteta and Rice for features that will be broadcast on Sky Sports over the weekend.
In the photograph uploaded by Merson, Rice was observed to be wearing conventional shoes by eagle-eyed supporters. Nevertheless, fans were eager to receive an update on his allegedly damaged digi.
Arsenal is not the only team that is uncertain about the upcoming game, as they have already conceded ground in the title race. Rice is not the only uncertainty.
Arteta did seem somewhat more optimistic about the possibility of Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino being able to participate against Chelsea, despite the fact that both players were unable to complete 90 minutes in midweek.
He further stated, “We must wait to observe their response.” Kai’s laceration was quite severe. We decided to substitute Mikel at halftime because he was not feeling well.
The spectacle of Martin Odegaard returning as a late substitute on Wednesday at least provided Arsenal with a stimulus.
The club captain had been absent from 12 games since he injured his ankle ligaments while playing for his country in September. However, Arteta will be optimistic that Odegaard’s return will coincide with an improvement in the team’s performance.
‘Everyone in the squad will be available and healthy to begin the game,’ stated Arteta when asked if Odegaard was prepared to start. Then, a determination is made to determine whether it is too early.
“It is about the collective and everyone taking ownership,” he continued. ‘Certainly, the presence of a player such as Martin is beneficial, as he has demonstrated his impact over the past four to five years.
‘Let us observe his performance and training regimen tomorrow. We will make a decision once he is available and physically capable.
He is consistently an active and close member of the team. He is aware of his responsibilities and position. Although it is distinct, the team encountered no complications.
