Declan Rice continues to impress for Arsenal despite looming injury fears
Karen Carney has voiced her concerns about Declan Rice’s fitness, claiming the Arsenal star looked “tired” in Prague’s 2-1 win over Slavia. Noni Madueke and Victor Gyokeres were on target as the Gunners held on to beat the Czechs, but the England international’s performance throughout the campaign raised concerns.
Wiktor Nowak’s late effort reduced the deficit and set up a nervy result, but Mikel Arteta’s side held on to secure a vital win to preserve their unbeaten start in Europe. The Basque tactician underlined his Champions League intentions as he fielded a full-strength side just days after their hard-fought victory over Liverpool.
Rice played alongside Martin Zubimendi, while Ebere Eze, Mikel Merino and Gyokeres were given the starting XI. But the Englishman’s entry has sparked fresh fitness fears, with Carney taking a physical and psychological toll on the 27-year-old.
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The TNT Sports pundit said: “The results, the table, 10 points from 12 games, I hope they don’t have to play that extra game.
“We will be selective in the second half because there are high expectations and those differences are important. Overall, they did the job, especially after the Liverpool game there were a lot of tired bodies out there, Declan Rice looked tired.”
However, Arteta showed little concern as his Arsenal side reiterated their desire to avenge May’s Champions League final defeat.
Speaking after the victory in Prague, he said: “We always have to value winning away in the Champions League. It’s very difficult. Two different parts.
“We should have scored three or four goals in the first half, but we didn’t. At the beginning of the second half, we were on the back foot, we were very sloppy and we gave the balls away. Then we had to suffer.
“A lot to learn. We should have scored more goals in the first half and if we didn’t, we should have done it in the second half.
“We made six changes, but we know the quality of the players we have. I don’t know if we are missing something, but I would do the same. [again].
“I appreciate what the team is doing now, it’s 11 away games.”
Rice has been facing fitness issues ahead of the World Cup. The midfielder was ruled out of the Group stage match against Panama for the dead rubber due to injury fears and Thomas Tuchel managing his workload.
Last month, Arteta indicated that they would have to keep a close eye on Rice’s fitness and whether he is approaching a muscle injury. He admitted: “Yes, we have to manage him because he has had a few problems since coming back from the World Cup. “Hopefully he will be ready tomorrow and some are in doubt.”