Arsenal managing Declan Rice’s workload ‘more than any other season’, says Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club are taking greater care of Declan Rice’s workload than in any previous season after the midfielder was substituted during the 1-0 win at Hull City.

Rice was replaced by Mikel Merino in the 63rd minute of the closely fought match, prompting concern among the home supporters. The England international showed no obvious signs of discomfort as he left the pitch.

Martin Odegaard scored the only goal of the game to settle the contest, but Rice’s withdrawal quickly became the main talking point after the final whistle.

Questions about the 27-year-old’s workload had already emerged before the match. Some suggestions had been made that Arteta was asking too much of the former West Ham captain, who wears the number 41 shirt.

Arteta had previously dismissed those claims, laughing off the idea that he had overused Rice. However, speculation about fatigue returned before the visit to Hull City.

The Arsenal manager said Rice is fit and indicated that the substitution was not caused by an injury. He is consequently still expected to report for England duty this week as planned.

“The only player, the only player in this squad that for two games in the Carabao Cup has been left out of the squad,” Arteta said.

“At home with two days off. That’s my concern.

“We are really looking after him more than any other season. The way he’s training and all the load. That’s it.

“Here are the demands of this football club and you have a player like him. Not only him because there are many others that have even less time.”

Rice’s omission from Arsenal’s squad for two Carabao Cup matches, including a home game followed by two days off, was highlighted by Arteta as evidence that the midfielder has been managed carefully.

The manager also stressed that Rice is not the only player facing significant demands at the club, although he remains the focus of attention because of his importance to Arsenal and his regular involvement.

Arteta’s comments came after Arsenal secured a narrow victory at Hull City, with Odegaard’s goal proving enough to decide a match in which opportunities were limited.