Arsenal Midfielder Declan Rice Injured, Misses Liverpool Clash Amid Premier League Top-Five Race

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is sidelined due to injury, missing the crucial Premier League match against Liverpool and potentially the subsequent game against Newcastle United, which is significant in the race for a top-five finish. Rice's absence marks the end of a streak of 21 consecutive starts for club and country, highlighting his importance to the team. Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Leandro Trossard will replace Rice in midfield, with Mikel Merino moving back into a midfield role, and Ben White returning at right-back for Jurrien Timber. Arsenal enters the Liverpool match under pressure after a Champions League semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and a three-game losing streak, while Newcastle's recent victory over Chelsea adds to the intensity of the top-five battle. Arteta acknowledged Liverpool's superiority this season, praising them during the pre-match guard of honor, and expressed the challenge of closing the gap with the league leaders. The injury to Rice is a significant blow to Arsenal’s preparations, particularly with the high stakes in the remaining fixtures.