Declan Rice has picked up an injury at the worst time for Arsenal. It's not that the team doesn't have worthy depth to replace the England international for the time being, but fans haven't seen the preferred midfield three start a game this season. For a team needing a result this weekend to stay afloat in the title race, consistency in midfield, let alone defense and attack, is desperately needed.
Whether it's been Mikel Merino, captain Martin Ødegaard, or now Rice, Arsenal hasn't had its midfield three fully fit to start a game. The former two have returned, but are question marks for the game against Chelsea this weekend.
Rice is out for an unknown period of time after he was surprisingly left out of the traveling Champions League squad against Inter this week.
