**Declan Rice has revealed he has been managing neural hamstring pain for six months, but insists he is fit and ready for England’s next Group-stage match against Ghana.** The Arsenal midfielder sparked concern when he came off during England’s 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia, yet he has framed the decision as precautionary rather than a fresh setback.
Rice’s admission matters for Arsenal because it underlines the workload being carried by one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players. It does not, on its own, point to panic. The key issue is how club and country continue to manage intensity, recovery and minutes across a demanding tournament schedule.
According to [The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/39489514/declan-rice-reveals-six-month-injury-battle/), Rice has been dealing with neural hamstring discomfort for around half a year, an irritation that can require careful monitoring even when a player remains available. His withdrawal against Croatia was described as a precaution, designed to avoid taking unnecessary risks after England had put themselves in a strong position in the match.
What it means for Arsenal and England
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That distinction is important. Hamstring language often triggers alarm, particularly for Arsenal supporters who have seen Rice operate at high volume in midfield, but neural pain can be different from a structural muscle injury. The practical reading is that medical staff are managing symptoms, not announcing an absence.
For England, the message before Ghana is straightforward: Rice expects to train, prepare and play if selected. His role remains central to balance, pressing security and progression from deep, so any decision will likely weigh match need against the longer-term risk of aggravation.
For Arsenal, takeaway is attention rather than alarm. Rice has played through the problem, England have framed the Croatia change as caution, and the player himself has declared availability. Ghana will therefore be watched closely, less for crisis signs than for how his minutes are handled carefully by England and Arsenal medical staff.