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Declan Rice missed Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday due to a hamstring injury, it has been confirmed.
The Gunners struggled in the opening 45 minutes at Anfield having exited the Champions League just days before, and it looked like the visitors could succumb to a battering after the champions raced into an early 2-0 lead.
However, Arsenal steadied after half-time and grew into the contest. They were superior until Mikel Merino, who headed home the equalising goal, saw red for two yellow cards. Gabriel Martinelli had earlier halved the deficit, with Mikel Arteta's decision to move the Brazilian central one of the keys to the Gunners' second-half turnaround.
Their comeback was all the more impressive given that they were without one of their mainstays in Rice. The £105m signing from 2023 had started every Premier League game since 4 January, and has racked up close to 4,000 minutes of action in all competitions this term.
Declan Rice missed Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Anfield due to hamstring injury
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice missed the game against Liverpool on Sunday with a hamstring strain. Hope the issue is not serious but medics won’t take any risks with the England star.https://t.co/GeN51OWRVk
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) May 12, 2025
It was revealed on the day of the contest that Rice wouldn't be involved on Merseyside. He didn't train after returning from Paris, with Arteta describing him and Jurrien Timber, who also didn't play as "not fit" before kick-off.
We've since learned more detail as to why Rice missed out on Sunday, with BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel disclosing that the England international is currently nursing a hamstring strain.
Arsenal's campaign has been plagued by hamstring issues, but there's hope that Rice's setback isn't serious. Still, the midfielder may not be risked for the remaining two Premier League games of the season against Newcastle and Southampton. However, Arteta also won't be able to call upon Merino next week due to Sunday's dismissal.
If a chance isn't taken, Rice will want to be fit for England's matches in June against Andorra and Senegal as he aims to impress new manager Thomas Tuchel. Arsenal's pre-season is expected to start at some point in early July, with the club travelling to the Far East for their summer tour.
Even without Rice, the Gunners are expected to seal their place in next season's Champions League after Sunday's point at Liverpool. Arsenal remain in second spot but with Newcastle and Man City on their heels, with five points separating themselves and Aston Villa in sixth. Only something extraordinary would result in Arteta's men dropping out of the top five at this late stage.