Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice missed the game against Liverpool on Sunday with a muscular issue believed to be a hamstring strain.

Rice played all 90 minutes of last Wednesday's 2-1 loss at Paris Saint-Germain but did not make the Gunners squad that came back from two goals down to earn a draw with the Premier League champions.

Speaking before the game at Anfield, manager Mikel Arteta did not specify the injury that caused Rice to be absent but said: "Declan couldn't even train so he's injured unfortunately and couldn't make the game."

It is understood Rice is recovering from a hamstring problem and while there is hope the injury is not serious, club medics will not take any unnecessary risks with the England international.

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Arsenal have two league matches left to play, against Newcastle on Sunday and Southampton on the final day of the season.

The Gunners need just two more points to qualify for next season's Champions League and are currently two points clear of third-placed Newcastle in the race for second in the Premier League.

News of Rice's injury will alert England head coach Thomas Tuchel before next month's internationals.

Rice is crucial to Tuchel's plans and is also almost certain to be named in England's squad to face Andorra and Senegal in June.


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