Brief

Arteta says Arsenal must manage Declan Rice carefully after England withdrawal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the need for caution with Declan Rice following his England squad withdrawal and past hamstring issues.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:28:22 GMT

Mikel Arteta told reporters that Arsenal must manage midfielder Declan Rice carefully after the 27‑year‑old pulled out of the England squad at the start of the international break. Arteta said Rice had "a few issues since he came back from the World Cup" and that the club would monitor his fitness before the upcoming match against Leeds United.

Rice had played through a nerve problem in his hamstring at the World Cup and missed England’s Nations League games against the Czech Republic and Croatia. Arteta added that other players such as Ben White, Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, Kai Havertz and Ezri Konsa were also in doubt, but could be available for the Leeds fixture.

Key facts

Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad at the start of the international break. (independent.co.uk)
Arteta said Arsenal must manage Rice carefully because of recent injury issues. (independent.co.uk)
Rice played through a hamstring nerve issue at the World Cup. (independent.co.uk)
Arsenal could field Rice against Leeds United if he is cleared. (independent.co.uk)