Declan Rice has keen to make a speedy return for Arsenal’s pre-season (Picture: Getty)Mikel Arteta has allayed fears over Declan Rice’s fitness and revealed the midfielder is pushing to make his return for Arsenal’s pre-season. After being substituted at the halfway stage against Erling Haaland and Co, Rice returned to play 82 minutes of the Three Lions’ semi-final defeat to Argentina. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘When I speak to Declan Rice, he is already saying, “Ok, if I come this day, then I can play then.” The north London giants begin their Premier League defence five days later at home to newly promoted Coventry City.