Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, has given an update on Declan Rice injury situation after Crystal Palace match.
The former West Ham United Midfielder was seen limping off the pitch for Jorginho to come on in the 73rd minutes of the match against Crystal Palace on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
Tension has built among the North London fan base as to whether the England man, who cost the Gunners well over £100,000,000 in the summer, would be spending some stint on the sideline coupled with non-availability of Thomas Partey.
The former Atletico Madrid player has yet to feature for Arsenal since last. Though he was said to have made a comeback but he is not match ready.
Reacting to this development, the spaniard coach said the England International was only substituted for precaution reasons.
He therefore allayed Arsenal’s supporters fears, claiming Rice substitution against Crystal Palace was not something sweat over.
After the game, Arteta said: “He was feeling some tiredness, I don’t know exactly what muscle he was.
“When we’re 3-0 up [you don’t want to risk it]. The same with big Gabi as well, he had some discomfort and was struggling.”
“Declan was feeling something, a sensation in his hamstring, so we won’t take any risks at 3-0,” he said.
Arsenal eventually defeated their London neighbours 5-0 following two late goals from Gabriel Martinelli.
Brazil centre back, Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring chart for the home team through a wonderful header in the 11th minute, before Crystal Palace Dean Henderson scored a own goal in the 27th minute.
The scoreline added up as former Brigton Albion playmaker, Leandro Trossard received a simplistic assist from Gabriel Jesus to make it 3-0 in the 59th minute.
Gabriel Martinelli ended his long goal drought after scoring a brace within 90 seconds in the 94th and 95th minutes following assists from Jorginho and Edward Nketiah, making it 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium.