New fan-captured footage has surfaced showing Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice clutching his hamstring during the Gunners' Premier League victory over Everton, sparking renewed injury concerns. The England international was seen struggling at the Emirates before being substituted.
In the footage, Rice could be observed feeling his hamstring on multiple occasions after crouching down for a sustained period on the pitch. After touching the back of his leg, he appeared to limp as he moved away.
Substitution Raises Questions
Rice was brought off in the 80th minute against the Toffees, with Martin Zubimendi coming on in his place. However, there may now be fears that the substitution was about more than simply introducing fresh legs.
The Arsenal star has been plagued by lower back and hamstring discomfort since last Christmas. During the World Cup, the former West Ham prospect spoke candidly about the nerve pain he endured throughout last season and while in the United States.
Rice withdrew from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the Nations League matches against Czechia, Croatia and Spain, a decision understood to be related to workload management.
Arteta's Other Injury Worries
Whether Rice's withdrawal against Everton was merely precautionary for an ongoing issue remains unclear. Arsenal face Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, giving Rice the chance to be rested ahead of the Premier League fixture against Liverpool.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced other injury worries at the Emirates. Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a knock after coming on during the second half. The Italian international completed the match but his issue meant Noni Madueke finished the game at left-back.
"Yeah I wasn't that mad to change those two from their positions," Arteta said during his press conference. "It was because he had a slight issue, we don't know what it is, it seems to be something very small, but he was cautious about it."
The Spaniard will be relieved that defender Gabriel Magalhaes quickly recovered after appearing to have sustained a serious knock. The Brazilian was able to carry on and netted a vital goal.
Arteta Praises Gabriel
Arteta heaped praise on his defender. "Well, he's a clear example, when I'm talking about the mentality of the team, obviously the mentality of the team is the mentality of the individuals in the team," the Spaniard said.
"Gabi is a great example of that because we were all scared. Not because of the way he went down, but the reaction of the players that were next to him. Immediately, he says that he wants to continue, and then he scores a goal to help us win the game. That's what we need from our players."
