England captain Harry Kane has revealed that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is still struggling with injury after withdrawing from international duty.
Rice was one of five players ruled out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, alongside Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento.
The 27-year-old completed the full 90 minutes of Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday but subsequently pulled out of the England camp.
Kane has now provided further insight into the situation, revealing that Rice personally contacted him to explain his decision.
“I spoke to Dec, and I know Dec goes far and beyond for the club and country, so I know how much he gives,” Kane said. “I know he’s been struggling for a while with his issues.”
The Bayern Munich striker added that Rice needs an opportunity to recover properly ahead of another demanding run of matches for Arsenal and England.
Rice’s fitness has already been an issue Arsenal have been carefully monitoring this season.
He made 69 appearances for club and country during the 2025-26 campaign and subsequently revealed that he had been managing neural pain affecting his back and hamstring during the World Cup.
The midfielder is understood to have required a painkilling injection after initially suffering a hamstring injury last December.
Despite those problems, Rice said earlier this month that he believed his body remained capable of handling another campaign involving more than 60 appearances.
His withdrawal from England duty and Kane’s latest comments nevertheless suggest the problem has not completely disappeared.
Rice even sent Kane a personal voice note explaining his circumstances, although the England captain stressed that withdrawing players were only required to discuss their fitness with Tuchel.
Kane’s response is notably different from his stance in November 2024, when he criticised a series of England withdrawals and insisted representing the national team should come before club commitments.
This time, he acknowledged the particularly demanding schedule faced by Premier League players and said they sometimes have to prioritise their physical condition.
The extended international break should now give Rice valuable recovery time before Arsenal return to action.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hope the midfielder benefits from that rest, particularly with the Gunners facing Leeds United on October 10 before hosting Lille in the Champions League three days later.
Rice’s availability will therefore be closely monitored when Arsenal’s internationals return to north London.
