National World Top Stories Update Thursday 11 December, 2025
Mikel Arteta has given Arsenal fans an update on Declan Rice’s ongoing illness.
Declan Rice has been battling illness all week, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.placeholder image
Declan Rice has been battling illness all week, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
This weekend, the Gunners play host to Wolves, who are bottom of the Premier League with just two points so far this season. There is a strong potential for squad rotation against a weaker side, although questions remain as to whether Rice will feature at all.
In a press conference this morning (December 12), Arteta was asked directly about Rice’s fitness, and if he will be available for selection.
He said: “Let's see how he goes today, he was ill. Normally in a few days [he would get better] but let's see how he gets on.”
While this quote seems like a bit of a nothingburger, it does give us more information than meets the eye.
“He was ill” suggests that Rice is on the mend, and the idea of “seeing how he gets on” would indicate that he is back training with the squad.
As a result, it genuinely does depend on whether the England international feels ready to play; it could be a case of not playing the full 90 minutes against Wolves, instead coming off the bench once the Gunners are ahead by a couple of goals.
Elsewhere, Arteta said that defender William Saliba “didn’t train” yesterday, but is optimistic that he could start training before the match at the Emirates. Either way, he is unlikely to feature.
Jurrien Timber has a knock, and whether he plays “depends on how he feels”, Arteta said. Leandro Trossard is still out but only “days away” from being available again.
Continue Reading