Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw against Premier League champions Liverpool on May 11, but the Gunners were without Declan Rice for the trip to Anfield, due to a muscle injury.
Following the game, Mikel Arteta dropped a hint that his season may already be over. "I think he is struggling, It does not look good."
Since Arteta's update, Rice has returned to squad training and the England international delivered a message to fans - captured in one of those session with returning teammate Riccardo Calafiori.
Rice uploaded the training image on his social media accounts, sharing a heart and fingers-crossed emoji. The fingers-crossed emoji tempts that he is hoping to be back in action soon.
The Gunners are already out of the UEFA Champions League, after losing their semifinal to Paris Saint-Germain, so the only thing left to play for is confirmed UCL qualification.
Arteta's men have only registered a single victory in their last six league encounters, so they are yet to officially qualify for next season.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Arsenal face Newcastle United at home in their penultimate game and the Magpies have beaten Arsenal three time already this season across all competitions. So the return of Rice in midfield would be a big boost.
His return to action looks more likely after he returned to training on Wednesday. However, there are doubts over Leandro Trossard as well, as the Belgian limped off at Anfield with a potential hamstring issue.
So both players will be assessed before the Newcastle game, and a final decision be taken by Arteta.
If Rice fails to make it to the Newcastle game, Arteta is unlikely to risk him again if the Gunners wrap up UCL football for next season.
The North Londoners have had a wretched luck with injuries this season, and they wouldn't want to inflict a serious injury on Rice.
The 26-year-old has already featured in 50 matches in 2024/25, 33 in the Premier League. He has also scored eight goals and provided 10 assists.
Arsenal news and related links
- Mikel Arteta makes big decision on Kai Havertz Arsenal future
- Major transfer target rejects Arsenal in favour of Real Madrid
- Arsenal ‘very impressed with’ £67 million goal machine