Mikel Arteta tipped for bold Declan Rice injury decision for season run-in

Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw against Liverpool last week, and they missed their star player, Declan Rice, in midfield. The Englishman was out with a muscle injury in that game. 

Following the game, updates from Mikel Arteta meant probably his season was probably over. "I think he is struggling," the Spaniard said. "It does not look good," he added. 

Since then, Rice has returned to training and was the Englishman has delivered a clear message while being captured in one of the training session with teammate Riccardo Calafiori. 

Later, he uploaded the training image on his social media, sharing a heart and fingers-crossed emoji. The fingers-crossed emoji gives away that he is hoping to be back in action soon. 

The Gunners are already out of the UEFA Champions League after losing the semifinal to Paris Saint-Germain. The Premier League crown is long gone. So the only thing that's left is Champions League qualification.

Arteta's men have registered a single victory in their last six league encounters. So they are yet to officially qualify for the Champions League next season. 

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

They will face Newcastle United next at the Emirates. The Magpies have beaten Arsenal thrice this season across all competitions. So the return of  Rice in midfield would be a big boost for the club. 

His return to action looks more likely after he returned to training on Wednesday. There are doubts over Leandro Trossard as well, as the Belgian limped off the field last weekend with a potential hamstring issue. 

So both players will be assessed before the Newcastle game, and only then will a final decision be taken by Arteta. 

If Rice fails to make it to the Newcastle game, Arteta may not risk him again if the Gunners manage to wrap up Champions League football for next season.

The North Londoners have had a wretched luck with injuries this season, and they wouldn't want to inflict a serious injury on Rice. 

The 26-year-old has already featured in 50 matches this season, 33 of them in the Premier League. He has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists. 

Arsenal news and related links

• Mikel Arteta makes big decision on Kai Havertz Arsenal future
• Major transfer target rejects Arsenal in favour of Real Madrid 
• Arsenal ‘very impressed with’ £67 million goal machine