Arsenal are nearing the halfway stage of their league phase campaign in the Champions League, with things in good shape as it stands.
The Gunners have won all three of their matches so far, and will be looking to make it a fourth when they make the trip to Slavia Prague.
Mikel Arteta will be expecting a win, but it won’t be easy, as Viktor Gyokeres’ injury and Martin Zubimendi’s suspension mean he is without two guaranteed starters.
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Throw plenty of other Arsenal injury concerns into the mix, and the squad starts to look slightly more stretched.
Despite all of that, the manager needs to rest Declan Rice, not just for fitness reasons.
Arsenal v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Declan Rice is close to a Champions League ban for Arsenal
While options are limited within the team, Mikel Arteta should decide to drop Declan Rice for Arsenal’s clash with Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
The midfielder has been ever-present for the Gunners ever since his move to the club from London rivals West Ham.
Having added quality in attack to his defensive ability, Rice has gained plenty of plaudits lately, and having him rested for one last push in the Premier League before the international break would be ideal.
Beyond that, there is a potential concern over his availability in the Champions League beyond Tuesday night.
Arsenal have some tough ties coming up, with Bayern Munich travelling to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the month.
Rice will be key for such a fixture, but he is currently walking a suspension tightrope, with two yellow cards picked up in three matches.
One more booking and the midfielder will be banned, the same fate that has impacted Zubimendi in midweek.
Given the quality in the squad, Arsenal should be able to rotate against Slavia Prague and still be competitive.
Similar cannot be said of the Bayern Munich match, meaning that resting Rice is of the utmost importance.
Arsenal FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
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Declan Rice praised by Micah Richards as one of the best in the world
Micah Richards has summed up exactly why it is so important that Rice is available for Arsenal in such a crucial game.
Praising the midfielder, he said on the Rest Is Football podcast: “Declan Rice, he took his game to a next level now, where you’re talking about him as possibly being one of the best in world football.”
Bayern Munich are one of the most in-form teams in the world at the moment, with 15 wins from all 15 of their opening games so far, meaning Arsenal will have to be at their best.
Being at their best means having Rice available, something Arteta simply can’t risk.