Arteta Says Arsenal Will Assess Rice Fitness Before Leeds Clash

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal will handle Declan Rice carefully ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Leeds, with the midfielder’s availability still unresolved after he left the England squad before the international break.

Rice being assessed for Leeds

The 27-year-old has carried a heavy workload across recent seasons and Arsenal are unwilling to take a risk that could turn a manageable problem into a longer absence.

• Rice withdrew from England duty amid concern over the volume of football he has played.
• He has experienced several fitness issues since returning from the World Cup.
• Arsenal will make a final call on his involvement against Leeds closer to kick-off.

Arteta said Rice must be managed after his demanding summer tournament. The Arsenal manager added that he hoped the midfielder would be available, while warning that other players remained doubts.

Rice played through a hamstring nerve problem during the World Cup, a period in which he helped Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

Havertz and Konsa also face fitness checks

Rice is not Arsenal’s only concern after the international window. Kai Havertz came back from Germany duty after suffering a muscular issue, while Ezri Konsa also returned early from the England camp.

Arteta said Arsenal had remained in contact with both national-team set-ups. Germany sent Havertz back to the club after his injury, while discussions with England took place over Konsa’s situation. Their status, like Rice’s, will be checked before Leeds.

What happens next

Arsenal resume league action looking for an immediate response after losing to Brighton before the break. That result left the Gunners three points behind Manchester City in the early table.

• Arsenal will assess Rice, Havertz and Konsa before naming the Leeds squad.
• Rice could still play, but a starting place is not guaranteed.
• The return of key defenders could offer Arteta a stronger base as Arsenal try to recover winning momentum.