Arteta Explains Declan Rice Absence for Arsenal Premier League Clash Against Liverpool

Gunners Missing Key Midfield Anchor as Title Race Reaches Critical Point

On a Sunday afternoon when Arsenal needed every ounce of steel, guile and grit to match Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League title race, they were without one of their most dependable warriors. Declan Rice, the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, was nowhere to be seen—neither in the starting lineup nor on the bench. And with fans wondering if this was a tactical surprise or a worrying development, the answer came swiftly from the manager himself.

“Him and Jurrien [Timber] are not fit,” Arteta said before kick-off. “Declan couldn’t even train, so he’s injured unfortunately and couldn’t make the game.”

For Arsenal supporters, already riding the emotional highs and lows of a season spent jostling for top spot with Manchester City and Liverpool, the news was a gut punch. Rice has been not only a defensive shield but a genuine attacking asset for the Gunners since his big-money move from West Ham United last summer. Losing him for one of the toughest fixtures of the season felt like a major blow—especially given the timing.

Rice’s Injury Comes After Gruelling Champions League Exit

Arsenal Injury Woes Continue at the Worst Possible Time

Rice featured in Arsenal’s midweek clash against Paris Saint-Germain—a bruising encounter that ultimately ended the Gunners’ European dream. While he appeared to come through that game without any obvious issues, Arteta later revealed that the midfielder had suffered an issue significant enough to sideline him from training altogether in the days leading up to the trip to Merseyside.

It was a calculated risk to play him midweek, one that may now have repercussions not only for the Liverpool match but potentially the remainder of Arsenal’s campaign. With just two games left after Anfield—against Newcastle and Southampton—there is little room for error if Arteta’s men are to lift their first Premier League title since the Invincibles of 2004.

And Rice, who has barely missed a beat all season, has been central to that dream. His absence now is more than just a missing name on the teamsheet; it’s a disruption to the rhythm and confidence Arsenal had started to build again after a brief wobble earlier in the spring.

Partey, Merino and Ødegaard Take Up the Midfield Mantle

In Rice’s place, Arteta deployed a midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, and Martin Ødegaard—an intelligent but somewhat unfamiliar combination. Ødegaard, the club captain, continues to be the creative engine, while Partey, often dogged by injury himself, was tasked with shielding the back four. Merino, who has quietly impressed since joining from Real Sociedad in January, added some vertical drive, but he’s still settling into the rhythms of Premier League football.

Without Rice, however, Arsenal lacked that combative presence who breaks up play with such ease and then drives forward with purpose. Rice has not only won duels at an astonishing rate this season but has also added goals and assists to his game—something Arteta has nurtured since the England international arrived at the Emirates.

Arsenal Injury Woes Continue at the Worst Possible Time

Paris Saint-Germain v Arsenal FC – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg

Injuries have plagued Arsenal throughout the season, and while Arteta has often spoken about the need to build a deeper, more adaptable squad, there’s only so much patchwork a manager can do. Timber, who was expected to be a key player this season after signing from Ajax, has barely featured due to a long-term ACL injury. The Rice knock now compounds what’s been a frustrating spell of bad luck when it matters most.

This latest setback also underscores why Arsenal are expected to be active in the summer transfer window once again. Sources close to the club suggest that another central midfielder—most likely Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad—is on his way to North London. The Spanish international would bring more depth and rotation options, especially in a season where Arsenal hope to be competing on all fronts once again.

Additionally, a new central striker remains high on Arteta’s wish list. While Gabriel Jesus has offered versatility and work rate, the Gunners are lacking a consistent goal scorer to shoulder the load. The ambition in the transfer market speaks to the club’s intent to stay at the very top—not just this season, but for the long haul.

What’s Next for Arsenal and Rice?

With Liverpool out of the way, Arsenal now face Newcastle and Southampton in their final two Premier League fixtures. Both are winnable on paper, but only if the Gunners can put their best foot forward—and that will require Rice to return to fitness quickly.

Whether he’s available for the trip to St. James’ Park remains to be seen. Arteta was tight-lipped on the nature and severity of the injury, giving fans little to work with other than the hope that it’s a short-term knock rather than a season-ending issue.

The bigger concern is momentum. Arsenal have ridden highs and weathered lows this campaign, but with Manchester City breathing down their neck and Liverpool still in the mix, any slip-up could prove fatal to their title hopes. Losing to Liverpool at Anfield without Rice would be understandable; failing to bounce back against Newcastle or Southampton would not.

Final Thoughts: No Rice, No Rhythm?

In a season where Arsenal have flirted with greatness and heartbreak in equal measure, Declan Rice has been a symbol of resilience and progress. His absence, even for one game, feels significant—not just tactically, but emotionally. He’s become a leader in this team, a player who demands standards from those around him and meets them himself.

Arteta’s belief in his squad will be tested again in the coming days. But if there’s one thing this Arsenal side has shown under his guidance, it’s a willingness to fight—even when the odds begin to shift.

For now, the hope is that Rice’s injury is a blip, not a blow. Because if Arsenal are to finish this rollercoaster season on top, they’ll need their midfield general back—and firing.