Mikel Arteta laughs off Arsenal criticism amid Declan Rice injury concern

Arteta dismissed concerns over Rice's workload, insisting Arsenal are managing him carefully and that he has actually been rested more than in previous seasons.

Mikel Arteta has firmly rejected suggestions that Arsenal are overworking Declan Rice, despite the midfielder playing 69 matches for club and country last season and starting all nine Premier League games this campaign.

Rice has played the full 90 minutes in four of the last five matches and started against Slavia Prague in midweek, appearing extremely tired in the second half. He will now join up with England after missing the previous international camp due to load management.

When asked about workload concerns, Arteta responded forcefully: "The only player, the only player in this squad that for two games in the Carabao Cup has been left out of the squad. At home with two days off. That's my concern. It's not true. We are really looking after him more than any other season." The manager also reflected on Arsenal's challenging fixture schedule, with only five of their 15 matches played at home so far this season.