Fresh footage raises Arsenal injury alarm over Declan Rice after Everton victory

Arsenal's win over Everton at the Emirates has been clouded by emerging concerns regarding midfielder Declan Rice's physical condition. According to Mirror Football, fan-captured footage has surfaced showing Rice clutching at his hamstring during the match. The England international was observed repeatedly touching the back of his leg and appeared to be limping as he moved across the pitch following a sustained crouching position.

Rice was substituted in the 80th minute, with Martin Zubimendi replacing him. Whilst the change could have been routine rotation, the footage suggests the decision may have been precautionary. Rice has dealt with lower back and hamstring discomfort since Christmas, and withdrew from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for recent Nations League fixtures, a move attributed to workload management rather than acute injury.

The precise nature of Rice's condition remains uncertain. Whether his removal represented merely cautious management of an ongoing issue or a more immediate concern is unclear. Arsenal face Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before a Premier League fixture against Liverpool, creating potential opportunity to rest the midfielder if required.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta contended with additional injury complications during the Everton match. Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori sustained a knock after coming on in the second half, though he completed the fixture. His issue forced Noni Madueke to finish the game at left-back, suggesting defensive resources were stretched during the latter stages.