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Declan Rice assures Arteta: ready for pre-season at Arsenal after
Leagues 9 August 2026

Declan Rice assures Arteta: ready for pre-season at Arsenal after

Declan Rice has fully reported to Arsenal after his performance at the 2026 World Cup and has indicated to coach Mikel Arteta that he is immediately ready to play again. Due to their participation in the World Cup, several Arsenal internationals will return later in the preparation. Yet Rice does not want extra rest and is aiming for a quick return, possibly already in the friendly match against Borussia Dortmund.

Declan Rice assures Arteta: ready for pre-season at Arsenal after

According to Sports.

Background

Declan Rice, who has recently proven his worth on the world stage, is an important signing for Arsenal. His return after the World Cup could be of great importance for Mikel Arteta, especially given the competition in the Premier League. With his determination to play again straight away, Rice can play a key role in Arsenal's midfield.

Why this matters

Declan Rice's eagerness to return to action highlights his commitment to Arsenal as they prepare for the new Premier League season. His mentality could be crucial to the team's dynamics, especially with other internationals returning later. This can also have a positive influence on team spirit and preparation for the competitive matches that lie ahead.

Key points

  • Declan Rice assures Arteta: ready for pre-season at Arsenal after.
  • Declan Rice has fully reported to Arsenal after his performance at the 2026 World Cup and has indicated to coach Mikel Arteta that he is immediately ready to play again.
  • Rice sends message to Arteta about Arsenal pre-season plan.

Declan Rice has told coach Mikel Arteta that he will be ready for action as soon as he returns to Arsenal. The midfielder of the English national team is still on holiday after his weeks-long commitment to the 2026 World Cup, but shows remarkable eagerness to immediately return to the training field for the London club.

Rice, along with teammates such as Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, were given at least three weeks' holiday by Arsenal due to their participation in the World Cup. The England internationals were active on the global stage until the end, playing their last match on July 18. Normally, this late return means that players only enter the preparation later and perhaps start an adapted training program to start the new season fit and fresh.

Yet Rice takes a different approach. According to Arteta, he has already hinted that he will be ready for playing time in the team as soon as his holiday ends. Arsenal's Spanish coach also indicated this in a statement: "When I talk to Declan, he is already talking about: 'If I come back this day, can I play straight away?' That attitude actually applies to all our players." Arteta emphasizes that there are three different preparation groups, but underlines the importance of the right mentality rather than the exact training programme.

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For Arsenal, Rice's attitude offers perspective towards the busy training program. A friendly match against Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for August 9 as part of the Emirates Cup. Officially, Rice's holiday ends that same day, which could mean that the midfielder is immediately available for playing minutes. Normally it is unusual for a player to go without preparationimmediately takes action, yet Rice himself seems to aspire to do so.

Perhaps Arsenal will ultimately choose to build up Rice quietly towards the next friendlies - against Como on Wednesday and the prestigious Community Shield match against Manchester City the following weekend. However, if he plays directly against Dortmund, it will offer an opportunity to improve his form towards the start of the new season.

With his enthusiasm and drive after an intensive World Cup, Rice shows that he wants to continue to play an important role at Arsenal. The competition in the team is strong, but Rice appears determined to make his mark from day one of pre-season.

What's happening now

If Rice is actually available for the friendly against Borussia Dortmund, it could strengthen his role in the team and help him get into shape quickly. Mikel Arteta is likely to appreciate his effort and mentality, which could lead to an important contribution to Arsenal's Premier League campaign. The situation surrounding other players returning later, such as Bukayo Saka, will also be monitored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Declan Rice tell Mikel Arteta?

Declan Rice has told Mikel Arteta he is ready for action as soon as he returns to Arsenal.

Why is Declan Rice on holiday for at least three weeks?

Declan Rice and his teammates received a minimum of three weeks' holiday from Arsenal due to their participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Who confirmed Rice's willingness to play immediately?

Mikel Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice has indicated he is ready for playing time in the team immediately.

What is the impact of Rice's attitude on the team?

Rice's attitude offers perspective for Arsenal heading into the busy training programme.

When does Arsenal's practice program start?

Arsenal's training program starts on August 9 with a friendly match.

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Declan Rice direct inzetbaar voor Arsenal na WK 2026: | Oranje Total Football | Oranje Total Football