Mikel Arteta has revealed that Declan Rice played through illness and exhaustion in Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Sporting CP – just days before a potentially title-deciding Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Arteta: Rice was ‘shattered’ and shouldn’t have played – but he did anyway
The Gunners secured their place in the Champions League semi-final after a goalless stalemate at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. They will now face Atletico Madrid for a spot in the final.
But concern now surrounds Rice’s fitness ahead of Sunday’s huge league meeting with City at the Emirates.
Arteta admitted after the Sporting match that the England midfielder had “no chance” of playing due to illness earlier this week.
Rice did not train before the game, yet still wore the captain’s armband and completed the full 90 minutes against the Portuguese champions.
“Declan yesterday, he was shattered,” Arteta said.
“He had no chance to play today, he wasn’t feeling good at all today, he played 94 minutes at the level that he’s done.”
The Arsenal boss praised his squad’s resilience, adding: “That is the reason why we are the only English team in the competition. This league and this schedule takes the hell out of you.”
Arteta also revealed that he did not make the decision to hand Rice the captaincy – the players themselves chose him.
“They made a decision because Declan has earned the status and the role,” Arteta explained.
“The way he’s taken ownership in difficult moments. He’s a great leader, a top player for us.”
Arsenal now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where Sunday’s showdown with Manchester City will play a major role in deciding this season’s champions.
Whether Rice recovers in time to feature remains a serious doubt.
