Declan Rice has returned to Arsenal refreshed after a rare mid-season break, with the club managing his workload carefully and a new contract close to being finalised.
The 27-year-old midfielder admitted in July that he was "mentally done, physically done" after a gruelling campaign that saw him play 69 matches for club and country, including the full 90 minutes in England's 6-4 World Cup third-place play-off win over France. Only Marc Guehi, among outfield players in Europe's top five leagues, logged more than Rice's 5,482 minutes on the pitch.
Managing the load
For more than six months, Rice had been managing neural pain in his hamstring, and he also played through sickness and a calf issue at the World Cup. After his mandatory three weeks off, Arsenal were open to extending his break, but Rice made clear to Mikel Arteta that he wanted to return as soon as possible.
He reported back for pre-season and impressed staff with his fitness levels, playing 45 minutes in the Community Shield within a week. However, Arsenal remain cautious, and the signing of Bruno Guimaraes is seen as a way to rotate with Rice when needed.
Last season, Rice was substituted only six times in the Premier League, but this term he has already been brought off three times in five league matches. Even in tight games, such as the narrow win over Aston Villa in August, Arteta has been willing to take him off. Rice was also left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich, a contrast to last season when he came on for 10 minutes against Port Vale at the same stage.
New contract close
Rice withdrew from the England squad for the recent international break due to load management rather than injury. He spent time in Dubai with his family, doing some warm weather training but mostly resting.
While he was away, his representatives continued talks over a new contract, and a full agreement is understood to be close. Rice is set for a significant pay rise that will elevate him close to the salary of Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's highest-paid player.
A contract extension has never been in doubt, with both parties calm since talks began earlier this year. The confirmation of Arteta's new four-year deal, making him one of the highest-paid managers in the world, is further evidence of Arsenal's financial ambition.
Busy run ahead
Between now and Christmas, Arsenal face away trips to Liverpool, Brentford, Newcastle and Tottenham, while hosting both Manchester clubs. There are also Champions League meetings with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Arteta has previously called Rice the team's "lighthouse". After a rare mid-season break and a chance to reset, Arsenal are hoping a refreshed Rice can guide them towards more success.
