Arsenal face a selection dilemma ahead of their Champions League clash with Club Brugge as Declan Rice misses training and key players risk suspension
09:41, 10 Dec 2025
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta faces a headache ahead of Club Brugge
Arsenal have had a tough couple of weeks, and they're eager to bounce back against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday was a blow to their Premier League title aspirations, allowing Manchester City to narrow the gap at the top to a mere two points. And Arsenal now face potentially tricky run, starting with Club Brugge.
Arsenal are the clear favourites, but with several key players out and others having barely trained in the lead-up, Wednesday's match could be more difficult than expected. With that in mind, here are the latest Arsenal-related headlines.
Declan Rice fitness concern
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Declan Rice of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on December 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Declan Rice could miss Arsenal's Champions League clash against Club Brugge(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Declan Rice was notably missing from Tuesday's open training session as Arsenal geared up for their trip to Belgium. The England midfielder has played in all 22 of the Gunners' matches this season - but is now a doubt for the upcoming tie, reports the Mirror.
Rice, 26, is believed to have been training indoors alongside the likes of William Saliba and Leandro Trossard. However, Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be worried about Rice's fitness following a punishing schedule of five matches in just two weeks.
Arsenal have a flawless record in the Champions League this season and could virtually guarantee their place in the knockout stages with a victory over Club Brugge. Given the low stakes of the match, it might also be an ideal chance to give a key player like Rice some much-needed downtime.
Mikel Arteta's worst-case scenario
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta could face a nightmare scenario at Inter(Image: PA)
Resting Rice could be a wise decision, especially as the former West Ham midfielder is just one booking away from a Champions League suspension. He's not the only one - Mikel Merino is also one yellow card away from being ruled out of Arsenal's next European match.
Both players will need to tread lightly if they play against Club Brugge, particularly with Arsenal's next opponents being Inter Milan at the San Siro. Rice and Merino have made more appearances than any other Arsenal players this season.
However, with both stars on a disciplinary knife-edge, Arteta is faced with a nightmare situation. He must either rest his two most influential players or risk them being available for the crucial clash in Milan next month.
Arsenal eye 'next Mesut Ozil'
Arda Guler
Arsenal have been linked to Arda Guler(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Arsenal are said to be considering a swoop for Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler, who has been hailed as the "next Mesut Ozil."
The highly-rated Turkish playmaker has established himself as one of Europe's most promising young prospects and, despite getting regular game time under Xabi Alonso this campaign, remains the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a potential exit.
Caught Offside claims Arsenal are amongst a host of top-tier clubs keeping tabs on developments, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also reportedly keen. Guler is anticipated to cost upwards of £80million, with Real Madrid hesitant to let him go.