Arsenal have battled through an injury-hit season and somehow stayed on course for major silverware. Big names like Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Martin Ødegaard have all spent time on the treatment table, yet Mikel Arteta’s side have powered on thanks to impressive squad depth and smart summer signings.
But despite the Gunners’ ability to survive setback after setback, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes there is one player they simply cannot replace.
Speaking to Metro Sport, Smith sounded the alarm loud and clear:
“Declan Rice would be a big loss if he got injured because you would lose that drive in midfield and his set piece ability which has become so important. They have not really got anybody to replace Rice.”
It’s a stark message, and one that highlights just how crucial the £100m midfielder has become. Rice’s power, energy, leadership, and dead-ball threat have turned him into the heartbeat of Arteta’s team.
Smith did praise Arsenal’s defensive cover, noting how Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié have stepped in without fuss. But he insists none of them come close to matching Rice’s influence.
In short: Arsenal may have survived plenty of injury scares this season, but if Rice goes down, their title dream could go down with him.
