**Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has revealed that he is still “nursing” a chronic injury which has plagued him since the back end of last season.**
The 27-year-old was substituted in the second half of England’s 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday night, prompting concerns about his fitness. Rice says he is managing an ongoing issue, but he will be available for the Three Lions’ next group fixture:
“All good. Good as gold. Just what I’ve been nursing probably in the second half of the season at Arsenal.”
“Little neural pains here and there. But yeah, I’m all good. All fine, just precaution. I’ll be back out there against Ghana.”
England play their next match at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday evening.
Tuchel made worrying remarks about Rice’s fitness
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Speaking straight after the Croatia game, England boss Thomas Tuchel said he would not have substituted the midfielder if it wasn’t for the injury:
“Let’s see, I hope they are okay. Normally, I would never take Declan out, but I didn’t want to take any risk.”
Tuchel did, however, go on to say that he had been reassured by Rice that it wasn’t a major issue.
2 of England’s Arsenal players are carrying injuries
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Bukayo Saka was a notable absentee from the starting lineup against Croatia, and Tuchel was also candid about the winger’s fitness status heading into the tournament.
It is believed that Saka is still having to manage the Achilles problem that sidelined him for five games in April. As a result, Tuchel opted to start his club teammate Noni Madueke instead.
Saka still had an impact on proceedings after replacing Madueke in the second half on Wednesday. He provided the assist for fellow substitute [**Marcus Rashford**](https://goonernews.com/blog/arsenal-transfer-news-marcus-rashford-owen/) to make it 4-2 on the night.
Gunners supporters will understandably be concerned that Rice and Saka could be overplayed by their country, having already had an intense season at club level.