Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice avoided a serious injury as he was forced off at half-time during his club’s match against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The 24-year-old asked to be substituted after reporting back pain and his team went on to draw the match 2-2.
Rice who joined Arsenal in the summer for a club-record transfer fee of £105 million, had prior this injury played every minute for the Gunners.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the midfielder suffered a back injury, but hoped it isn’t long-term one.
“He had some discomfort in his back. We have to assess him. It’s strange when a player like him asks to come off because he’s uncomfortable. Hopefully, it’s not (long term).” Arteta said, as quoted by The Athletic.
Tests conducted on the player today confirmed that while Rice is still in discomfort, it is not serious and he will continue to be assessed and treated in the coming days.
Rice joins a plethora of Arsenal players that have sustained injuries this season namely; Leandro Trossard (hamstring), Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring), Jurrien Timber (knee), and Thomas Partey (groin).
Trossard’s injury is believed not to be serious and could return to the squad over the weekend. Bukayo Saka also took a knock to his foot against Tottenham but it also isn’t thought to be serious.
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Manchester City and don’t want to go further behind if they are to stand any chance of contending for the title.
