Arsenal FC has been hit with a fresh injury setback ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture against Inter Milan. The club's star midfielder, Declan Rice, will not be partaking in the tie due to an undisclosed issue.
Rice missed Tuesday’s training session and has subsequently been ruled out of Wednesday’s match against Inter Milan. The 25-year-old midfielder had played the full duration during Arsenal’s recent 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday. However, his absence from the upcoming clash means he will not be part of the 23-man squad travelling to Italy.
Rice has been instrumental for Arsenal this season, featuring in 12 out of their 13 Champions League and Premier League matches. His only two absences were due to suspension and precautionary rest respectively. As such, his absence is expected to be a significant blow as the Gunners gear up for their pivotal group-stage matchup.
Ødegaard returns after two-month hiatus
In brighter news for Arsenal fans, club captain Martin Ødegaard could make his long-awaited return after over two months on the sidelines due to ankle ligament damage sustained while on international duty in September. Having resumed full training and being named in Wednesday’s squad list, Ødegaard’s return could provide a much-needed boost for Arsenal as they aim to extend their unbeaten run in the Champions League.
Defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori remain unavailable due to separate knee injuries. Tomiyasu has managed just one brief appearance this season while Calafiori hasn't featured since October 22nd when he was injured during Arsenal's win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Unbeaten run in the Champions League
Despite the injury setbacks, Arsenal have had a commendable Champions League campaign so far. They remain unbeaten and are yet to concede a goal, with victories over Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk as well as a goalless draw against Atalanta. Currently, they sit level on seven points with Inter Milan who have also had an impressive start in the group.
Following their midweek European fixture, Arsenal will return to Premier League action against Chelsea on Sunday before heading into the final international break of 2024. With key players sidelined due to injuries, it remains to be seen how Arsenal will navigate these crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions.
