What Declan Rice did moments after sparking Arsenal injury panic speaks volumes

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice enjoyed a stellar afternoon against his former club West Ham in a 2-0 Premier League victory at Emirates Stadium, but it seemed to come to a premature end. The England international was back in the starting XI on Saturday after being rested in the Champions League.

With the Gunners sure to dominate the ball, Arteta opted to deploy captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Eberechi Eze in the two No.8 roles with Rice at the base of midfield.

Unfortunately, that tactical plan needed to be altered when Odegaard, who attempted to carry on after treatment, was forced off in the 30th minute.

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The Norway international had been taken off in the first half of Arsenal's last two league games at Emirates Stadium because of a shoulder injury, but it was an issue in his knee that saw him eventually replaced by Martin Zubimendi.

His introduction saw Rice pushed further forward and that allowed him to be in the right place at the right time to slot home the opening goal of the game after Eze's shot was parried into his path.

Bukayo Saka then doubled the hosts' advantage from the penalty spot after a foul on Jurrien Timber by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

There were concerns over the Arsenal talisman earlier in the clash after he fell to the turf clutching his ankle, but he stayed on and marked his 200th Premier League appearance with a goal. Rice however, was unable to continue after a collision which saw him need treatment from physios before being replaced by Mikel Merino.

Given his impact in this game and stunning assist against Newcastle United last weekend, Arteta losing Rice to injury would be a blow.

One potential positive was that Rice could be seen clutching his back which certainly suggests it is not a muscular issue and he is only feeling pain from the impact. He was also captured moving freely at full-time when applauding the Arsenal fans.

However, if there is some damage, Arteta would be grateful that the October international break is on the horizon which means Arsenal's next game is not for another two weeks with Arteta hinting there could be a problem.

"With Declan he was struggling with back pain and he asked me to come off. Lett's see what the doctor says now and what is best for him," he said.

The best-case scenario for Arteta will be Rice remaining at London Colney to fully rest and recover after a busy opening few months of the season.

Rice has already been rested in two games this season but further opportunities to improve his physical state will be welcome, especially with such a busy season to come.