EPL: Arsenal loses Declan Rice to injury during match against Tottenham
Declan Rice suffered an injury during the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham today, September 24.
Arsenal took the lead after 26 minutes in the thrilling encounter, when Bukayo Saka’s shot was deflected into his own goal by Spurs defender Cristian Romero.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had made the big decision by keeping David Raya in of goal ahead of Aaron Ramsdale and he justified that faith with two fine saves from Brennan Johson as Spurs went in pursuit of an equaliser.
However, Tottenham levelled three minutes before half-time following an error from Raya. He could only claw away a cross allowing an attack to continue, ending with James Maddison crossing for Son Heung-min to equalise with a deft finish.
Arsenal were in front again in the 54th minute after a VAR review led to Romero being penalized for handball. The penalty was converted by Saka.
Tottenham were able to push the match to a draw after Jorginho who came on as a half-time substitute, lost possession to Maddison who played in Son for another cool finish.
Addressing reporters after the match, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta told reporters that Declan Rice who came off at the break, has a back injury.
Arteta said;
“He had some discomfort in his back. He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable and when we assessed him at half-time he could not continue, so we had to change him.”
When asked if Rice may be out for the short- or medium-term, Arteta replied:
“Hopefully not. We have to assess him. It’s strange when a player like him asks to come off because he’s uncomfortable. Hopefully not, but let’s see.”
Already missing Jurrien Timber to a long-term knee problem, Arsenal are also currently without Thomas Partey and had lost Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to injuries this week.
Arsenal, who are now four points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table, will travel to Brentford in midweek for a Carabao Cup tie before playing at Bournemouth next week. After a Champions League game at Lens, their final match before the international break will be a clash with City at the Emirates.
