Arsenal are enduring a challenging period both on and off the field.

The North London club is currently going through its most difficult stretch of the season, and the latest update regarding Declan Rice has only deepened the concerns among supporters.

The Gunners’ recent struggles began with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, followed by a shock elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton shortly after the international break.

They narrowly edged through the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting but then suffered a disappointing league loss to Bournemouth, handing City a major advantage in the Premier League title race.

The two sides are set to meet this weekend, and if Pep Guardiola’s men win that fixture and their game in hand, they will move level on points with Arsenal.

This crucial phase of the season demands that Arsenal have all key players available and in form, but luck doesn’t seem to be favouring them right now.

During Arsenal’s open training session on Tuesday morning – a requirement for clubs participating in the Champions League – Declan Rice was a notable absentee.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who has regularly captained the team this season, had previously withdrawn from England duty due to injury. However, he returned to play the full duration in three consecutive matches against City, Sporting, and Bournemouth.

Initially, many thought Mikel Arteta had opted to rest some players for tactical reasons, but Rice’s absence from this training session, combined with remarks from England manager Thomas Tuchel confirming the legitimacy of his players’ fitness concerns, indicates that Rice could genuinely be carrying an issue.

Even so, this would not be the first time Arteta has employed a bit of tactical misdirection, and it’s possible this situation is designed to keep rival managers uncertain about his plans.

Alongside Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori also did not participate in the open session.

According to FourFourTwo, Rice’s condition should become clearer following the match against Sporting.

Although the focus is heavily on the weekend’s blockbuster encounter with Manchester City, Arteta cannot afford to take the Champions League tie lightly, as Arsenal hold only a one-goal advantage from the first leg – a lead that could easily be overturned.

If Rice is fit, he is expected to at least make the squad. If not, Arteta will face a barrage of questions regarding his absence.

In any case, Arsenal will be hoping that Rice recovers quickly and is able to finish the season strongly, as he has arguably been the team’s most influential player throughout the campaign.