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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterArsenal are experiencing their toughest moment of the season so far, and the latest Declan Rice update wont help ease worries in north London.The Gunners tough streak began with the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, which was followed by unexpectedly crashing out of the FA Cup to Southampton on the other side of the international break.They then crept through a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting, before losing in the league to Bournemouth, giving City a huge boost in the title race. You may like Is Declan Rice injured? Injury latest on Arsenal midfielder Manchester City to assess crucial injury ahead of Arsenal clash Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals the truth about Declan Rices heated exchange with coach Albert Stuivenberg Worrying Declan Rice omission ahead of Manchester City gameGet VIP Arsenal tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Arsenal's premium Club Level tickets offer superb padded seating and access to the lounge two-and-a-half hours pre-match. The package includes four drinks, one food item, and a half-time complimentary drink. Guests also receive a �5 merchandise voucher and a complimentary Museum Tour, ensuring an elevated and comprehensive matchday experience for home supporters.View DealThe two sides face each other this weekend, and if Pep Guardiolas side wins that and their game in hand, theyll be level on points with Arsenal.Its precisely when the side needs all their best players fit and firing, but their luck may be out.In Arsenals open training session on Tuesday morning which teams have to host as part of their participation in the Champions League Declan Rice was not present.The 27-year-old, who has captained the Gunners regularly this season, had to pull out of international duty with England through injury, but managed to return to play three full games against City, Sporting and Bournemouth.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Many had originally believed Arteta was withdrawing his players for self-interest, but the omission of Rice from this training session, along with comments from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel backing the legitimacy of the departing players issues, suggests Rice really could be carrying something.Nevertheless, this would not be the first time Arteta has dabbled in the dark arts, and it may merely be a trick to throw onlookers off the scent and keep upcoming opposition managers guessing.In addition to Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori all didnt take part in the open session. What to read next 'Carabao Cup Final celebrations will affect title race' Thierry Henry makes bold Arsenal and Manchester City prediction Arsenal star drops injury update after substitution Is Eberechi Eze injured? Injury latest on Arsenal forward ahead of the Carabao Cup final In FourFourTwos opinion, the condition of Rice will become clearer after the Sporting game.While the greatest focus will be on City at the weekend, Arteta cannot treat that Champions League tie with anything but full focus, as they only hold a one-goal advantage from the first leg, which could be easily overturned.If Rice is fit, youd expect him to be at least in the squad, and if hes not, Arteta will be peppered with questions about his absence.Regardless, the Gunners will be praying hes in good condition to finish the season strongly, as hes arguably been the clubs most important player throughout this campaign.TOPICSArsenalManchester CityPremier LeagueIsaac Stacey StrongeSocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterIsaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.
