Arsenal bounced back and defeated Barcelona by five goals in a thrilling match in Los Angeles after their disappointing preseason loss to Manchester United the previous week.
The Gunners’ exciting tour came to an end with that game, and they now turn their attention to the Emirates Cup encounter against Monaco and the Community Shield final against Manchester City before facing Nottingham Forest in less than three weeks.
The team led by Mikel Arteta scored five goals for the second time in a fortnight, defeating an MLS All-Star XI in Washington earlier in the tour.
Declan Rice, the new blockbuster acquisition, was absent from the match, thus the midfield trio of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey filled in. Rice made his debut against Manchester United but was unable to return in this game.
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Asked about Rice’s absence, Arteta revealed; “Dec Rice had quite a strong kick in training and didn’t want to take the risk,”
“He wasn’t comfortable to train yesterday and today, and we decided not to play him.”
Rice’s significance to the team’s prospect is highlighted by Arteta’s cautious approach. The aim is to stop a small injury from turning into a major setback despite the temporary setback.
The good news for all the Arsenal fans is that the injury doesn’t seem to be serious, which might see Rice return very soon.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has yet to play in the preseason after missing the run-up to last season, was also absent for the Gunners.
