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Mikel Arteta confirms Declan Rice injury blow

01 March 2026 - 20:39

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that midfielder Declan Rice had to be substituted against Chelsea in the Premier League due to some discomfort.

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The Gunners retained their five-point lead at the top of the standings after a 2-1 victory over the Blues at the Emirates Stadium. Rice provided the assist for the second goal scored by Jurrien Timber.

However, Rice was unable to last the entire game. Speaking after the victory, Arteta confirmed that the Englishman was struggling with an issue and had to be replaced by Christian Norgaard.

He was quoted as saying by Sky Sports shortly after the win: "He was feeling some discomfort, and he needed to be substituted."

With the victory, the Gunners have moved five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the standings, but the latter have a game in hand.

They have no time to ponder about the result, given there is another tough-looking away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night.

Written by Sri Aswin