Declan Rice
ARSEngland
Right
Jan 14, 1999
27
6'2"
185 lb
CM
RB
Deep-Lying Playmaker
ArsenalWhips in three crosses
Rice had three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.
Analysis: Rice would play the full 90 as usual Sunday but struggled to get his club the second goal they needed so badly, forced to defend against a highly active City attack. His best moments came with his three crosses and one chance created, as he now awaits another match for a league goal contribution, with his last coming March 1.
Excellent in Wednesday's win
Rice had one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 0-0 draw versus Sporting CP.
Analysis: Rice got it done on both ends of the pitch Wednesday as he helped lead Arsenal to the Champions League semifinal. On the attack he created three chances and recorded six crosses, keeping pressure on the Sporting defense despite his side not scoring a goal. On the defensive end he kept his second clean sheet across the two legs, recording two interceptions and one clearance across his full 90 minutes of action. Arsenal have a massive run of fixtures coming up, starting with Sunday's trip to Manchester City, and Rice will need to be at his best for the Gunners to achieve all that they desire.
Starts as expected
Rice (illness) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Sporting.
Analysis: Rice was already known to have cleared his illness, and that has led to his return, wasting no time returning to his starting role in the midfield. He will continue in this spot moving forward, a huge addition back as they try to close out the season strong after a couple of rough displays recently.
Clears illness, available Wednesday
Rice (illness) is back in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting Portugal, according to HandofArsenal.
Analysis: Rice has been cleared from illness and will be available for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting after missing Tuesday's open training session. The midfielder remains a key presence in central areas with his ability to control tempo and handle a large share of set pieces, and his availability is a major boost for his side as they look to advance to the next round.
Absent from open training
Rice (undisclosed) was not spotted at Arsenal's open training session Tuesday, raising fresh concerns over his availability for Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting CP, according to James Benge of CBS Sports Football.
Analysis: Rice has been managing some form of issue in recent weeks and his absence from the open session Tuesday is the latest concerning sign heading into a crucial European night. Whether this is precautionary management or a genuine fitness concern remains unclear, but Arsenal will be sweating on the availability of their most important midfielder with the second leg fast approaching. Christian Norgaard could be in line for a larger role if Rice cannot go on Wednesday, with the Dane a capable deputy in the defensive midfield position.
Stuffs stat sheet
Rice generated four shots (one on goal), 11 crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Saturday's 2-1 loss against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Rice had to try to generate some offense with Arsenal's top creators sidelined so his stat line looks good, though it didn't do much for the Gunners on the scoreboard. He'll potentially have to duplicate this effort if Arsenal's injury situation doesn't get better ahead of the second leg of their UCL tie against Sporting CP on Wednesday. Arsenal hold a 1-0 edge and play the second leg at home.
Could be available against Sporting
Rice (undisclosed) is back in training with the first team Monday and could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League first leg against Sporting CP, according to BeanymanSports.
Analysis: Rice could be an option for Tuesday's Champions League first leg against Sporting CP after training with the first team Monday following recent precautionary management. The midfielder remains a crucial presence in the middle with his defensive work, ball progression and set-piece duties, recording five goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, and could provide stability in midfield if available.
Unavailable Saturday
Rice (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Analysis: Rice is unavailable for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton after returning early from international duty for medical assessment. The midfielder is being preserved as a precaution, with the focus on keeping him fit for upcoming league and Champions League matches, with Christian Norgaard starting in midfield in his absence.
Leaves England Camp
Rice has departed the England national team for a medical assessment, according to his national team.
Analysis: Rice is back with his club in London after a few days with the England national team, leaving as he awaits medical assessment. This looks to be a cautionary move from the midfielder, not wanting to risk injury as he is likely to already start for the Three Lions. His focus will now be on the league and UCL title, preserving his health for those competitions at the moment.
Secures win with insurance goal
Rice scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen.
Analysis: Rice tallied a goal in the second half to give Arsenal some insurance in this Champions League tie. The midfielder was strong overall with four crosses and three corners to go along with his goal, and he'll be expected to keep this effort up against Man City in the EFL Cup final on Sunday. Man City have been inconsistent of late but they are still a side with a +32 goal differential on the year.
Poor in service
Rice registered six crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 1-0 win against Brighton.
Analysis: Rice's crossing volume was typical but his accuracy was not there. He's probably not going to play Saturday in the FA Cup game to keep him fresh for the UCL clash against Bayer Leverkusen, and he'll need to be on point for that contest. Leverkusen has allowed just 29 goals in 24 league games, though they did concede 14 goals in eight UCL group stage games.
Late call to face Seagulls
Rice (undisclosed) is a late call for Wednesday's match against Brighton, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "I hope [he is available]. He was much better today. Obviously, we haven't really trained because we have only two days to prepare for the game. So hopefully, it's going to be better tomorrow."
Analysis: Rice had to leave late into Sunday's contest and was deemed to have asked for the substitution, raising some worries that he is injured. The midfielder is now in a race to be fit for Wednesday, a bit of a late call with the club not training much the past two days, just hoping he can see a clean bill of health when waking up. As a regular starter, this could be a major loss, leaving Christian Norgaard as a possible replacement despite only three starts all season.
Asks for substitution, injury scare
Rice is heading in for further testing after he asked for a substitution in the 76th minute of Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea, according to manager Mikel Arteta, per James Olley of ESPN.
Analysis: Rice would need to leave the field not too far fromt he full time whistle, asking for a substitute, and now worried about a possible injury. He will head in for further testing, so this will be a major watch for the club. With a game coming quickly against Brighton on Wednesday, there is a decent chance he could miss out if this is even a little concerning, leaving Christian Norgaard as a possible replacement.
Tallies assist
Rice assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Rice was less pronounced in this match, but he did get credited with an assist in the 2-2 draw. He'll need to be more assertive in the midfield against Tottenham, but Spurs are a favorable matchup as they have not won a league game in 2026 and have given up 37 goals in 26 EPL matches.
Creates three chances
Rice crosses three times (two accurate) and created three chances during Thursday's 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Analysis: Rice was held off the scoresheet, but led Arsenal with three chances created in the match. The midfielder has combined for nine chances created, 11 crosses and four tackles over his last three starts but hasn't had a goal involvement since January 3rd.
Season high four interceptions
Rice had one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Analysis: Rice led his team with a season-high four interceptions and created three chances while attempting one shot from outside the box. The midfielder has now created at least three chances in each of his last four league games while attempting 19 crosses, maintaining his role as a key outlet from set pieces, which has been one of the team's most effective weapons this season. Although he has not recorded a league assist since late November against Spurs, he contributed two assists in the recent FA Cup tie against Chelsea, one in each leg.
Eligible after UCL suspension
Rice is set to return from a one-game ban he served in Wednesday's Champions League win over Kairat.
Analysis: Rice will likely claim his starting spot back with the suspension allowing him to rest during the busy period. In that case, Christian Norgaard should be expected to return to a bench spot in both league and UCL play for the remainder of the season. The England international will also look to retain set-piece duties, which could keep his attacking value high in future games. He previously scored four goals and five assists over 28 club appearances this season.
Set for suspension
Rice will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of three yellow cards in the Champions League.
Analysis: Rice accumulated three yellow cards in the Champions League and will be suspended for the last league phase game against Kairat next Wednesday. His absence will impact the starting squad since he has been an undisputed starter in the midfield for the Gunners, with Eberechi Eze or Kai Havertz as the main options to replace him for that game.
Strong in service
Rice generated one shot (one on goal), seven crosses (four accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Four of Rice's seven crosses were accurate but he was unable to find a teammate in a scoreless draw which cost Arsenal some ground in the title race. The midfielder will remain an integral part of the lineup Tuesday but he'll need to be better if the Gunners want to break through a stiff Inter Milan defense which has only conceded four goals in six UCL group stage matches.
Nets brace in start
Rice scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Rice got back into the starting lineup with a bang, scoring what would end up being the deciding goal as part of a brace in a 3-2 win. He might have his minutes managed with a quick turnaround Thursday against Liverpool but can still be counted on to deliver a good all-around performance in whatever capacity he takes the pitch in.
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