Harry Kane has publicly backed Declan Rice after the Arsenal midfielder explained his decision to withdraw from England duty.
Rice was one of five players to pull out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of four Nations League fixtures during the extended international break.
Arsenal supporters were initially left waiting for further information regarding his fitness, but fresh comments from England captain Kane have provided more context around the decision.
Rather than suffering a significant new injury, Rice has reportedly been managing an ongoing physical issue and his withdrawal is intended to help control his workload.
Harry Kane backs Declan Rice decision
Kane revealed that he spoke directly to Rice after the Arsenal midfielder withdrew from the England squad.
Speaking ahead of England’s Nations League meeting with Spain, Kane said Rice had contacted him personally and explained the situation.
“I know he’s been struggling for a while with his issues,” Kane said, with his comments reported by The Guardian.
The England captain added that players sometimes have to manage their own physical condition during demanding periods of the season.
Rice had initially been selected by Tuchel before withdrawing from the England squad on Monday.
The Football Association subsequently confirmed that Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento had all withdrawn, with Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner among those added to the squad.
Arsenal handed important Rice recovery window
The additional context should provide some reassurance for Arsenal.
Rice’s withdrawal does not currently appear to indicate a problem that automatically rules him out when Premier League football resumes.
Instead, the midfielder now has an extended period at London Colney without the additional demands of four England matches.
Arsenal’s international-break tracker shows that Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ezri Konsa remain with Tuchel’s senior squad while Rice stays behind.
Mikel Arteta will hope that period is enough to ensure one of his most important players is fully prepared for the return to domestic action against Leeds United on 10 October.
The timing is also notable because Arsenal are simultaneously attempting to secure Rice’s long-term future, with talks over a new contract reportedly accelerating.
For now, though, his physical condition takes priority.
Kane’s comments suggest Rice has been managing the problem for some time rather than reacting to a sudden setback, and Arsenal now have nearly three weeks to manage his workload before their next competitive fixture.
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