Declan Rice Misses Arsenal's Next Game Due to England Commitments

Declan Rice will miss Arsenal's next game due to England's ongoing World Cup campaign. The team's physical preparations for the 2026-27 season will begin without Rice and other English players.

What happened?

England's success in the World Cup has led to a mandatory three-week rest period for the players, overlapping with Arsenal's summer travel itinerary.

The club's core English contingent, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, are officially sidelined for the summer opener.

Why it matters for Declan Rice

Rice is playing through considerable neural hamstring pain, according to Thomas Tuchel. This injury, combined with the mandatory rest period, will impact his availability for Arsenal's pre-season fixtures.

Saka helped England reach the World Cup quarter-finals with his assist against Mexico on June 18. England now face Norway on July 6, after knocking out Brazil in a historic result.

What comes next?

Should England be eliminated on July 11, the affected Arsenal players would begin their three-week holiday period, cutting into the club's pre-season schedule. Arsenal open their summer preparations against Girona on August 1.

Arteta is expected to call on fringe and youth players for the trips to Spain and the Republic of Ireland. Ethan Nwaneri, 19, may be given senior opportunities, with his long-term future still undetermined despite signing a new contract in 2025.

The pre-season fixtures could serve as a shop window for players whose futures remain uncertain. Arsenal's title defence in 2026-27 will begin without several key players, including Declan Rice, due to their international commitments.