Declan Rice’s post-substitution conversation with his teammate against Crystal Palace is a cause for significant worry for both Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
Rice initiated his team’s convincing 5-0 win over Palace at the Emirates last Saturday.
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In the 11th minute, Gabriel initiated the scoring, and a Dean Henderson own-goal doubled the lead to 2-0.
Leandro Trossard secured a third just before the hour mark, while substitute Gabriel Martinelli sealed a late, rapid-fire brace.
Arsenal bounced back to winning ways after enduring three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
They reach 43 points, matching Manchester City and Aston Villa, securing the third spot on the table. However, the victory seems costly as Rice couldn’t finish the full 90 minutes.
Jorginho stepped in for him in the 73rd minute, and he could be heard telling Emile Smith Rowe “hammy” as he left the field.
Rice indicates he sensed something in his hamstring, possibly leading to some time on the sidelines.
Since his club-record £105 million move from West Ham United last summer, the outstanding English international has been a key player for the Gunners.
Having played in every league match this season, the 25-year-old has contributed three goals, including a vital winner against Luton.
After the match, 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.”
The Spaniard anxiously awaits Rice’s fitness update, given the upcoming crucial league encounters with Liverpool, West Ham, and Newcastle United next month.
Let’s not forget the significant Champions League showdown against Porto. Arsenal is scheduled to resume their league campaign on January 30 with an away match against Nottingham Forest.
