The Gunners were already reeling from a midweek Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and the absence of Rice - a key engine in Arsenal's midfield - added to the growing list of concerns for Arteta. The England international, who played the full ninety minutes in Paris, failed to train in the lead-up to the Liverpool clash and was left out of the squad entirely.
"He's struggling," Arteta said, gesturing toward Rice's hip. "It doesn't look good."
The timing couldn't be worse. With just two league games left, Arsenal are clinging to hopes of securing second place - and possibly more - but their midfield is quickly becoming a crisis zone. Mikel Merino, who filled in and scored a crucial equaliser against Liverpool, will miss the Newcastle game after being sent off late in the match.
Leandro Trossard, who led the line in place of injured regulars, hobbled off with a suspected hamstring injury, and Jorginho remains sidelined with his own fitness issues. Even Jurrien Timber, named on the bench, was ruled out by Arteta as "not fit to play."
With Newcastle looming next weekend and Arsenal's depth being tested to the limit, Arteta faces a race against time to patch together a squad that can finish the season on a high. The title may be slipping from their grasp, but even securing second now feels like a battle of attrition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season has left players "gutted", according to captain Virgil van Dijk, who emphasised the squad's unity as the full-back faces criticism from a section of the fanbase.
Luis Díaz has moved to calm speculation over his future by reaffirming his desire to remain at Liverpool, with discussions over a contract extension potentially on the horizon.
Manchester United's domestic difficulties intensified on Sunday as they fell to a 2–0 defeat against West Ham United at Old Trafford, marking their 17th Premier League loss of the season.
Premier League champions Liverpool were held to a thrilling 2–2 draw by Arsenal at Anfield, as the visitors mounted a spirited second-half comeback after falling behind early.
