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Arsenal Faces Kairat Without Key Midfield Duo
28 Jan
Summary
- Declan Rice suspended for Arsenal's UCL league phase finale.
- Mikel Merino also suspended, forcing a makeshift midfield.
- Rice returns for Premier League match against Leeds United.
Arsenal faces Kairat Almaty in their final Champions League league phase match without key midfielder Declan Rice. The England international is serving a one-game suspension for accumulated yellow cards. This absence marks his second Champions League game missed this season.
Mikel Arteta's side is looking to cap off a remarkable league phase campaign with a perfect record. Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal's undefeated run through seven games. His suspension, along with that of fellow midfielder Mikel Merino, leaves Arsenal short in the midfield department for this fixture.
Rice's suspension stems from yellow cards received against Athletic Club, Olympiacos, and most recently, Inter Milan. Despite the absences, Arsenal is expected to qualify directly for the round of 16 as the top team in their group. Rice will return for Arsenal's Premier League fixture against Leeds United and his slate will be wiped clean for the Champions League knockout stages, which begin on March 10-11.
