Declan Rice has revealed that he has been managing nerve pain in his hamstring since Christmas, as he considers the demanding match schedule he has faced this season.
The England midfielder drew attention when he left the pitch in the 72nd minute of the recent 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia. This issue is linked to his upper hamstring, causing discomfort that extends to his lower back. Despite this, Rice regarded his substitution as a “I’m ready and fit, raring to go,” choice, assuring supporters that he will be ready for England’s upcoming group game against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.
“I was feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring, which I was managing from after Christmas with Arsenal for a very long time. Obviously, not a lot of people would have known that. It was all behind-the-scenes stuff but it was a smart decision. “In the end, that last 20 minutes is probably where you pick up the most, and it’s where you play a 70-minute match. But that last 20 is where you really feel your body going for it. And I think it was a smart decision because the last few days I felt really, really good.” he stated to ITV Sport. “I was feeling a little bit of neural pain in my hamstring, which I was managing from after Christmas with Arsenal for a very long time. Obviously, not a lot of people would have known that. It was all behind-the-scenes stuff but it was a smart decision.
“It’s an obscene amount of games,”
This season, Rice has played in 63 matches, comprising 55 for Arsenal and eight for the national side. His club reached the finals of both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, unfortunately falling short against Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, while claiming the Premier League title.
“The schedule was crazy but what can we do about it? You can’t sit and complain. We have to just get on with it for the moments like I had in the Premier League, winning that Premier League. You know you’d play as many games as possible to have that feeling again and knowing that there’s a World Cup at the end of it as well. You know you’d put your body on the line to be always in to play. It’s a lot of games but we’ll get our break at the end.” Rice remarked. “The heat’s going to dictate [our playing style] in spells but the manager’s been really clear with us and with this squad that we have the strength and power to outrun and outplay teams with our strength,”
Adapting to the Climate and Future Challenges
England began a hot-weather acclimatization camp in Florida at the start of June, acknowledging the significant challenges posed by the heat and humidity in North America. The match against Croatia was held in a domed, air-conditioned stadium in Dallas, with a maintained temperature of 22°C. Fortunately, a similar climate is expected in Boston’s open-air stadium for the 4pm local kickoff (9pm BST). However, it is likely that England will encounter significantly hotter conditions in upcoming matches, but Rice mentioned that the players have received assurances from Thomas Tuchel concerning their physical preparedness.
“Bukayo will impact this tournament,” Rice elaborated.
Worries for Teammate Saka
Rice also conveyed his worries regarding the fitness of Bukayo Saka, his teammate at both Arsenal and England. Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue for some time and only managed to come on as a substitute in the 72nd minute against Croatia. Despite this, he made a significant impact by assisting the fourth goal for Marcus Rashford, who also came on as a substitute. Saka has been following an individual training program and is not expected to be fit enough to start against Ghana, likely allowing Noni Madueke to take his spot on the right wing.
“It’s really good the way we’re managing him. I think the amount of football he’s played – I’ve seen him at Arsenal – this little achilles problem he’s got. I think we’re managing him the right way, for sure. “I don’t think you want to put him in straight away and put him at risk. We need to keep building him in. He’s been training really well. He came on and had an amazing impact the other night. He’s one of the biggest game players I’ve played with and he wants to play every game. But here he’s being smart. And we also have Noni who, for me, has been unbelievable.” Rice asserted. “It’s really good the way we’re managing him. I think the amount of football he’s played – I’ve seen him at Arsenal – this little Achilles problem he’s got. I think we’re managing him the right way, for sure.
“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,”
Other Players Facing Struggles
William Saliba, another Arsenal player, has been enduring discomfort this season as he strives for World Cup success. He shared insights about his challenges leading up to Monday’s match against Iraq.
“I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes round only once every four years so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100% but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100% either – you can’t make excuses.” he revealed. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes round only once every four years so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100% but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100% either – you can’t make excuses.”
