Arsenal told key player is ‘playing through injury’ as Premier League title challenge falters

Arsenal have been told that midfielder Declan Rice is potentially playing through an injury after suffering a dip in form in recent weeks.

The Gunners’ squad has been stretched in 2025 and, as a result, they have struggled to keep pace in the Premier League title race.

Wednesday night’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, coupled with Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United means Mikel Arteta’s men sit 13 points adrift of the leaders with a game in hand over them.

While the Premier League title race is not officially over, it seems only a matter of time before Arne Slot’s side are crowned champions after an incredibly consistent season. In their bid to try and keep chase, Arsenal have been calling on Rice to play more and more matches.

His form recently has not been what it once was and former Chelsea star Tony Cascarino believes it could be down to Rice having to play through the pain barrier. He told talkSPORT: “Declan’s had an indifferent month or two.

“He’s definitely carrying an injury, I look at Declan and think, there’s something not quite right.

“He’s definitely got a niggle that he hasn’t got over because he’s just not playing to a way we know he can.”

Declan Rice (right) reacts after Arsenal's draw to Nottingham Forest — Pundit Tony Cascarino thinks Declan Rice might be carrying an injury
(Image: PA)

If this is the case, the hope will be that this free weekend has allowed Rice to nurse himself back to full fitness.

Next week is another big one for the Gunners as they first travel to PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash before making another trip, this time to Manchester United in the Premier League at the weekend.

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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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