Declan Rice faces fatigue as Tuchel navigates midfield options
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
Declan Rice is reportedly experiencing fatigue after an intense playing schedule, totaling 360 matches since the 2020-21 season. The England midfielder has played key roles for West Ham and Arsenal, contributing significantly in the Premier League and Champions League. His current state leaves Thomas Tuchel with a challenge to find suitable midfield replacements. Arsenal's next match will test their depth in this critical position.
- •Declan Rice has played 360 matches since the start of the 2020-21 season.
- •Rice has been pivotal for West Ham and Arsenal during crucial competitions.
- •Thomas Tuchel needs to identify solutions for midfield challenges.
- •Rice's fatigue raises concerns about Arsenal's squad depth as they approach key matches.
- •The situation highlights the demands of a high-intensity football schedule.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Declan Rice is running out of steam, leaving Tuchel a midfield conundrum
"England mainstay is flagging after six years of nonstop action, but finding a solution to his absence is no easy task A freak of nature is Aaron Cresswell’s description of Declan Rice. The former West Ham left-back marvels at Rice’s ability to keep going. “He can play six or seven games a week,” Cresswell says of his old West Ham teammate. “God knows how many he’s played in the last few years.” The answer is 360 since the start of the 2020-21 season. The schedule has been relentless for the England midfielder. He was vital for West Ham when they had deep European runs in 2022 and 2023, was a mainstay for Gareth Southgate’s England and has been no less influential for Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League endeavours since joining them three years ago. Continue reading...
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