Mikel Arteta has explained that a back injury forced Declan Rice off at half-time of the north London derby against Tottenham.
Arsenal were unable to take more than a point at home to Tottenham in the London derby. Mikel Arteta lamented the missed opportunities and was disappointed after the game that his side had failed to win after taking the lead on two occasions.
The Gunners started the game with Romero’s own goal, then David Raya made a sensational save to deny Spurs’ opening goal. When Postecoglou’s side equalised, the Gunners took the lead back into the game but dropped two points.
The Spanish manager spoke after the game about Declan Rice’s injury. “He had some discomfort in his back, and he was telling us during the first half that he wasn’t comfortable. When we assessed him at half-time, he couldn’t continue, so we had to change him,” said Arteta.
“Hopefully not, but we have to assess him. It’s strange that a player like him asks to come off, because he wasn’t uncomfortable,” added the Gunner’s coach whe asked on whether Rice will face a spell on the sidelines.