In a development that could tilt the scales in one of the most fiercely contested Premier League title races in recent years, Arsenal have received a significant fitness boost ahead of their potentially season-defining Premier League clash against Manchester City. Declan Rice, the influential England midfielder, has confirmed he is fully fit and ready for Sunday’s high-stakes trip to the Etihad Stadium — while Pep Guardiola’s side face the absence of key defender Ruben Dias for the second time in recent weeks.
The Gunners travel to Manchester knowing that the outcome could have a massive bearing on where the Premier League trophy ultimately lands. After a frustrating recent wobble — including last weekend’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth and a Carabao Cup final loss to City — Arsenal need a result to reassert their credentials. Rice, who has captained the side in the continued absence of Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, has been central to that ambition.
The 26-year-old started and completed 90 minutes in both the Bournemouth defeat and Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP, despite having been a major doubt for the European tie due to illness. Speaking to Sky Sports after the Sporting match, Rice moved quickly to dispel any lingering concerns.
“I’m fully fit,” he stated. “Yes, I’ve been ill. I’ve been in bed, not well. To get out against Sporting, obviously, I perked up in the morning enough to be able to play. I wasn’t at 100 per cent, but to help this team out, no way I was missing a quarter-final to try and get to a semi-final. I was well enough to be able to go out there and play. But, yes, it’s just a little illness and I’m over it now and on to Sunday.”
Rice also struck a determined tone about the impending City fixture, calling on his teammates to make a “massive statement” and insisting there is “fire in the stomach to eradicate” the disappointment of the recent Wembley defeat.
Mikel Arteta is expected to provide a fuller team news update on Friday afternoon during his pre-match press conference at London Colney. The Arsenal manager will address the status of several key players still working their way back, including Saka, Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
Across the divide, the news for Manchester City is less encouraging. First-choice centre-back Ruben Dias remains sidelined with an ankle injury picked up in the Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid last month. The Portuguese international has already missed crucial fixtures against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, and is set to be unavailable once again on Sunday. Further defensive concerns include Nico O’Reilly, who suffered a hamstring issue against Chelsea, John Stones (still recovering from a calf problem) and Josko Gvardiol (recovering from a broken leg).
The contrast in fitness fortunes could prove pivotal. Arsenal enter the Etihad with their midfield general available and firing, offering stability and leadership at a moment when composure under pressure is paramount. City, meanwhile, must navigate the absence of one of their most reliable defensive anchors — a factor that has already been felt in recent results.
As the title race enters its decisive phase, Sunday’s encounter at the Etihad promises to be more than just another fixture. It is a contest that could define the narrative of the 2025/26 season. For Arsenal, Rice’s availability represents a timely lift; for Manchester City, the continued unavailability of Dias adds another layer of difficulty to an already demanding schedule. The result may not decide the title outright, but it will certainly shape the belief — and the momentum — each side carries into the final stretch.