As the final whistle blew, Rice thanked the home supporters and beat his chest towards them, showing that he is the man who will lead his boyhood club to UEFA Conference League glory in 2023. However, after paying his respects to the crowd, Rice appeared to be in noticeable discomfort and stopped to grab his hips with both hands.
Rice is understood to have been dealing with mild back problems in recent weeks, alongside a number of other nagging issues.
He has been able to train regularly, which will be a huge relief for the Gunners as it has not affected his availability or mobility in any way.
Arsenal now have a full week to prepare for their next match at home to Burnley on Monday 18th May. Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders are two wins away from clinching the title if Manchester City win all three of their remaining games.
City host Crystal Palace on Wednesday before facing Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side then travel to Bournemouth to host Aston Villa on the final day, before Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace.
Arsenal will carry out tests on Whyte, in addition to initial assessments carried out both on the pitch and in the dressing room, following the right-back’s serious knee injury in the game against West Ham.
White left the London Stadium with a brace on his right knee, left in obvious discomfort after a ferocious challenge with Hammers winger Crisencio Somerville.
“I don’t know, but he probably needs more tests tomorrow because he doesn’t look well at all, and I know a little bit more,” Arteta said of White after his team’s win.
The Spaniard also confirmed that Calafioli was sent off at half-time due to unspecified fitness concerns.
But there are fewer fears surrounding the Italian, who jogged to join his team-mates in celebration in front of the traveling supporters following Leandro Trossard’s late winner.
