Arsenal blow: Declan Rice misses Champions League trip to Brugge
Arsenal’s injury crisis deepened ahead of their Champions League clash with Club Brugge as midfielder Declan Rice was ruled out due to illness.
The 26-year-old, a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s plans, fell unwell after the weekend defeat to Aston Villa and was unable to travel to Belgium, adding to the Gunners’ mounting selection headaches.
Multiple absences stretch squad thin
Rice is joined on the sidelines by William Saliba, still recovering from an ongoing issue, and Leandro Trossard, who suffered a fresh knock after returning from injury to score against Villa.
Other key absentees include Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Cristhian Mosquera.
Arteta confirmed: “Declan was ill. He was quite sick after the game, and he hasn’t travelled with us. William is still not available, and Leo again picked another knock…he cannot be here.”
Declan Rice misses Arsenal’s trip to Brugge – Getty image
Gabriel Jesus returns as young talent sidelined
To compensate for absences, Arsenal adjusted their Champions League squad to include Gabriel Jesus, back ahead of schedule after a cruciate ligament operation.
His inclusion came at the expense of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who suffered an injury playing for Arsenal’s Under-21s.
Arteta praised the forward’s dedication, saying, “Thanks to his work and all the work of the medical staff…we had the possibility to make a swap.”
Fixture congestion adds pressure
Despite questions about training loads contributing to injuries, Arteta rejected the idea, attributing the crisis to a relentless match calendar.
Arsenal have played 22 matches across the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup this season, with further adjustments to league fixtures made ahead of the festive period.
