Declan Rice appeared to be in discomfort after helping Arsenal take another big step toward the Premier League title with victory at former club West Ham
Declan Rice was spotted holding his lower back following Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 Premier League win at West Ham.
The £105m England international started the match at No.6 before shifting to right-back and then back into midfield following Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori’s injury issues.
Following the full-time whistle, Rice showed his class and took the time to applaud the home supporters, beating his chest in their direction having previously captained his boyhood club to Conference League glory in 2023.
But after showing his appreciation, Rice then appeared to be in visible discomfort, pausing and holding his lower back with both arms.
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It’s understood Rice has been managing a minor back issue in recent weeks on top of various other niggles.
He’s been able to train frequently and it has not affected his involvement or mobility whatsoever in a major boost for the Gunners.
Arsenal now have a full week to prepare for their next match, at home to Burnley, on Monday 18. Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders are now just two victories away from securing the Premier League title, though that’s providing Manchester City win all three of their remaining fixtures.
City host Crystal Palace on Wednesday before playing Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men then travel to Bournemouth before hosting Aston Villa on the final day, when Arsenal head to Crystal Palace.
Arsenal are set to carry out tests, on top of the initial assessments carried out both on the pitch and in the dressing room, on Ben White after the right-back sustained a serious-looking knee injury against West Ham.
White was left in visible pain following a strong challenge with Irons winger Crysencio Summerville and left the London Stadium with his right knee in a brace.
Arteta said of White following his side’s triumph: “We don’t know, but he doesn’t look good at all, so he needs some further testing tomorrow probably and I know a bit more.”
The Spaniard also revealed Riccardo Calafiori was substituted at half-time due to an unspecified fitness issue.
However, there is less concern around the Italian, who jogged to join his team-mates in celebration in front of the travelling supporters following Leandro Trossard’s late winner.
Had Calafiori been overly concerned about a potential injury, he would have remained on Arsenal’s bench, though he’s still set to be assessed at London Colney when the Gunners check in for recovery.
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