Mikel Arteta issues Arsenal injury latest amid fan concern over Declan Rice substitution

Arteta confirmed Rice is fit after his early substitution against Hull was a tactical decision, not injury-related.

Declan Rice was substituted after 60 minutes in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Hull at the Emirates, prompting concern among fans about a potential injury. However, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed post-match that the England midfielder is "fine" and the withdrawal was tactical rather than fitness-related.

Rice has started all ten league matches this season and played full 90 minutes in four of the last five games before Saturday. His substitution came as a surprise given his consistent availability. Mikel Merino replaced him, and Martin Odegaard scored the winning goal ten minutes later.

Arteta defended his management of Rice's workload, noting the midfielder played the full match against Slavia Prague on Wednesday despite looking exhausted. The manager emphasized he is carefully monitoring Rice's minutes and pointed out he was rested in the Carabao Cup, saying: "We are really looking after him more than any other season."