Rice: Ending World Cup fitness struggles is a boost for Arsenal

Rice has eased concerns over his club workload, saying he moved past his “frustration” during last summer’s World Cup period.

After England reached the semi-finals, Rice concluded a long season with both club and country, making 69 appearances in total.

Although he showed signs of fatigue with the Three Lions — after previously playing a key role in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final — Rice insisted that after receiving valuable rest before returning to action with the Gunners, he can cope with such a number of matches in the future.

“In the last six seasons, I have played more than 60 games every season.”

Rice reflected on his availability record in an interview. He said: “I think in the last six seasons, even going back to when I was playing European football with West Ham, I have played more than 60 games every season. So I think it is sustainable because I have proven that I can do it.”

In his view, the real challenge is not whether he can play, but whether he can maintain his level. “The key is maintaining it, maintaining the level and consistency of performances. For me, the most important thing is being available every week, putting in good performances and helping the team win. I am fortunate that I have always been able to do that. So this season I am still very eager to do it again.”

After Arsenal suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League final, Rice is seeking redemption in the competition. Arsenal made a winning start in the Champions League league phase, beating Napoli 1-0 with an Ødegaard goal. Rice was also pleased to have moved past a minor injury that had affected his ability to maintain his form under Tuchel.

“A nerve-related hamstring issue, combined with the heat, was really difficult.”

Asked about his physical condition during the World Cup period, Rice did not avoid the topic. “Yes, it was difficult,” he recalled. “I think everyone knows I had a nerve-related hamstring problem. But on top of that, after such a demanding Premier League season and Champions League campaign, going to play a World Cup in that kind of heat definitely takes a toll.”

He described his mindset on the pitch: “I am the kind of player who wants to feel fresh as soon as I step onto the pitch, and every time I put on the England shirt I want to give 100 percent.”

“There were definitely periods when I felt very, very good, and there were also periods when I felt I was not in form. Obviously, I was ill before the match against Norway, which did not help. So there were some things that made me frustrated, just frustrated with myself because I did not feel 100 percent. But there were also some games where I felt very good, such as the match against Congo. So this is one of the things I have to manage. Like I said, when summer arrived, I had a complete period of rest.”

Restarting after rest

For Rice, having a full rest this summer was the key to ending his “frustration.” He is no longer focused on the fatigue he felt at the end of last season and has shifted his attention to the new campaign.

Arsenal have secured a Champions League victory, and Rice has also overcome the physical problems that troubled him. He made it clear that he is ready to take on another demanding schedule. Last season’s Champions League final defeat remains motivation for him, and his attitude is straightforward: he has played more than 60 games in each of the past six seasons, and this season will be no different.