By Frank McAvennie

29th Sep, 2023 | 10:03am

Arsenal suffer 'huge' Declan Rice blow pre-Man City clash - pundit

Declan Rice will be a “huge” loss for Arsenal if he is missing for the Man City game next week.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie is worried for the Gunners that they might be without their star signing for the tough test against the reigning champions on 8th October.

The 24-year-old was substituted at half-time in last weekend’s derby match against Tottenham complaining of discomfort in his back.

The midfielder was left out of the squad for Wednesday’s (27 September) 1-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

Rice joined Mikel Arteta’s side this summer in a deal worth over £100million and has already established himself as an important part of the new-look Arsenal side.

City will be missing their star midfielder Rodri after he was sent off against Nottingham Forest and is serving a three-match ban that encompasses the first Premier League meeting between the sides.

McAvennie insisted both sides will be missing important players next month.

“I think Rodri is a big player for City,” he told Football Insider.

“Rice is looking like he is going to be out for a few weeks as well and he is huge for them.

“You do not really notice what he is doing at Arsenal because he has got all these wonderful players around him. He is doing his job but he is very good at it.

“I think there will be a few people missing by the time it rolls around.“

In other news, Tottenham fend off Newcastle United hijack to agree new signing.