Declan Rice has publicly addressed concerns regarding his physical health and the sustainability of a high-frequency match schedule. Following a 2023-24 campaign where he made 69 appearances for both Arsenal and England, the midfielder maintains that his body can handle a similar workload this season. This stance comes amid reports that Arsenal staff are exercising caution regarding his fitness.

During the previous season, Rice managed significant physical discomfort, including neural back pain and a hamstring injury sustained in December, which required the use of pain-killing injections. The club’s current monitoring strategy is likely influenced by the limited recovery time afforded to the player; Rice returned to training just three weeks after his international commitments concluded, arriving only one week prior to the Community Shield. While the club is reportedly tracking his fatigue levels and physical output, Rice remains confident in his ability to maintain his performance levels across a full season of competitive football.