Even though Declan Rice has a broken toe, the midfielder for Arsenal is committed to playing for both the team and England.
Declan Rice missed the Champions League match against Inter Milan after suffering a fractured toe during Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle United. Arsenal claimed the ailment was a “minor” foot issue.
According to the Telegraph’s Friday edition, Rice is optimistic about playing in Sunday’s Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea.
He intends to join Lee Carsley’s England team for the Nations League matches if he survives that match without any problems. He and Bukayo Saka have both been called up.
Fractures to the toes can seriously impair balance, movement, and striking power. Despite medical experts’ usual recommendation of four to six weeks of rest, Rice’s decision to play shows his commitment and Arsenal’s need to start the season again.
Although Rice is known for being tough, exerting too much pressure today could lead to more significant, long-term problems.
Given their demanding schedule and the gap they already need to make up in the title chase, Arsenal will need to balance his desire to participate against the risk to his general health.
The Chelsea match will determine Rice’s level of fitness. If he makes it out alive, both Arsenal and England will benefit.
However, if there are problems, he might have to miss more time, which Arsenal cannot afford.
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
