HomeSportsFootballArteta drops Rice injury update before Inter as Arsenal get Odegaard surprise

Arteta drops Rice injury update before Inter as Arsenal get Odegaard surprise

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has explained the reasons behind Declan Rice’s absence for their Champions League clash against Inter Milan.

Rice didn’t travel to Milan for Wednesday’s clash at the San Siro and there were fears that he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.

The Spaniard had already been left without the Norwegian star since he returned from international duty injured after suffering ankle ligament damage in October.

Arteta has now clarified why Rice did not travel to Italy for the tricky away tie against the Serie A champions, revealing he picked up an injury in their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

“Declan unfortunately picked an injury against Newcastle,” Arteta said. “He was able to finish and he wasn’t feeling good the last few days. “We’ll have to assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea.

Losing Rice will be regarded as a massive blow as the 25-year-old has made 12 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League this term.

But the Gunners boss has received a boost following the surprise news that his captain Odegaard not only travelled with the squad but is also poised to return to the first-team.

“The positive news, Martin… it’s great to have him back,” he added. “He trained with us first time today. He’s a bit earlier than expected.

“But it’s great to have him here and we will decide if we use him tomorrow.

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