Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has eased concerns over Declan Rice's fitness, revealing the midfielder is pushing to make his return for the club's pre-season friendlies. Rice endured a frustrating World Cup campaign with England, limping out of the group-stage match against Ghana with heavy strapping on his left calf, later revealed to be a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back.
Rice's World Cup struggles and recovery
The neural problem left Rice bed-bound for three days before England's quarter-final win over Norway. He was substituted at halftime against Erling Haaland's Norway but returned to play 82 minutes in the semi-final defeat to Argentina. In the bronze-medal match, Rice appeared back near his best, scoring a third-minute stunner and playing the full 90 minutes of a ten-goal thriller.
With the new Premier League season approaching, some suggested Rice might need an extended break to avoid aggravating the issue. However, Arteta told reporters on Wednesday, ahead of Arsenal's friendly with Girona, that Rice is eager to get back on the pitch.
Arteta on Rice's attitude
'We have three different pre-seasons with different groups, but the most important thing is the attitude,' Arteta said. 'When I speak to Declan Rice, he is already saying, “Ok, if I come this day, then I can play then.” That is much more powerful than the programme. We want to adapt to the context, which is different.'
Arteta also described the positive mood in the camp during their pre-season trip to Italy. 'I saw the energy in the bodies, in their eyes, how they look. The players came back in incredible shape, better than ever. That tells you the direction we want to seek and the culture we have set. They are all super powerful signs.'
Renewed ambition after title triumph
Arteta reassured fans that the squad has renewed determination following Arsenal's Premier League title win last season. 'This has to be the start and this has to be the standard. Excellence has to be our standard and this has to drive to attack the future. We have to show that we belong to this level and want to take this football club to a different dimension.'
The Spaniard added: 'My ambition is that daily we nail the standards and the requirements to be better the following day. Maintaining that ambition, discipline, commitment, and positive energy through 11 months is the responsibility we all have.'
Arsenal's pre-season schedule
Arsenal face Girona on Saturday, followed by friendlies against Real Betis in Dublin, and home matches against Borussia Dortmund and Como. Their Community Shield clash with Manchester City is set for August 16, with the Premier League defence starting five days later at home to newly promoted Coventry City.
