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Declan Rice keen on early Arsenal comeback as fresh update eases injury concerns
Rohan Mehta | July 30, 2026 8:58 PM CST

There had been concerns that the Arsenal star might require a longer spell of rest even after his post-tournament break.

The midfielder is currently on holiday after being granted the compulsory three-week break following England’s World Cup campaign.

Rice played the full 90 minutes — captaining England and netting an excellent opening goal — in the gripping third-place play-off against France on July 18, which means he is not scheduled to report back to Arsenal until August 10.

There had also been indications that Rice could need additional recovery time beyond that date.

The 27-year-old has been dealing with neural pain in his hamstring since Christmas, while he also had to manage a calf problem, a sickness bug and fatigue during the World Cup.

During the tournament, England coach Thomas Tuchel said Rice was playing through “unbearable discomfort”.

But Rice has been in touch with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta since the World Cup ended and is eager to return to Arsenal training, which has helped calm fears over his fitness.

“We have three different pre-seasons with different groups, but the most important thing is the attitude,” Arteta said.

“When I speak to Declan Rice, he is already saying, ‘Ok, if I come this day, then I can play then’.”

“That is much more powerful than the programme. We want to adapt to the context, which is different.”

Rice is part of the third and final batch of Arsenal players who will begin pre-season training next month.

That group includes his England team-mates Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, along with the Spanish trio of Martin Zubimendi, David Raya and Mikel Merino.

Rice, like the other late returnees, will not be involved on Saturday when Arsenal take on Girona in their first official pre-season match of the summer.

The clash with Real Betis in Dublin next week will also arrive too early for him, but Rice’s stance suggests he is pushing to make his return on home soil.

Arsenal will host Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup on August 9 before welcoming Cesc Fabregas’ Como to north London three days later.

If Rice makes a sharp start in training, he could go straight into the team for that fixture.

That would allow him to get valuable minutes under his belt before the Community Shield against Manchester City in Cardiff on August 16.


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