Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is exploring the possibility of deploying Declan Rice as an emergency centre-back following the injury setback of William Saliba. The French defender, who suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s recent north London derby against Tottenham, was unable to feature in the Gunners’ Premier League draw against Aston Villa. Saliba will also miss Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb but is reportedly recovering well and is expected to return for the critical match against Manchester City next Sunday.
In the meantime, Arteta faces a defensive crisis with the Gunners already depleted in that area. The team is without not only Saliba but also Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both sidelined with knee injuries. With limited centre-back options, Arteta is considering Rice, traditionally a defensive midfielder, as a solution to Arsenal’s current shortage at the back.
Declan Rice’s potential shift to centre-back is far from a foreign concept. Though primarily known for his role as a defensive midfielder, Rice has previous experience playing in central defense. He came through West Ham’s academy as a centre-back, which gives Arteta the confidence that he can perform in this role when necessary.
During the 2024/25 season, Rice demonstrated his adaptability by filling in at centre-back for Arsenal during a dead rubber Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in the final group stage game. His performance was well received, further solidifying his ability to play in different positions across the midfield and defense. Arteta has acknowledged Rice’s versatility and expressed that although playing him out of position isn’t ideal, his qualities make him a valuable option for Arsenal at centre-back during this injury crisis.
“It has been in my head,” Arteta admitted. “The reality is that he had to play, because of certain circumstances, as a No6, a No8, and even as a No10. To put him in a different position is not ideal. He is coping with it really well, but we know that he has the ability to do that, offering something different to the other central defenders. The reality is we don’t have right-footers in that position.”
The injury crisis in Arsenal’s defense is compounded by the absence of several key players. Saliba’s hamstring injury, sustained against Tottenham, has ruled him out for a number of matches, including the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb. While he is recovering well and is expected to be back for the high-profile match against Manchester City, Arsenal cannot afford to wait for his return, especially with important games coming up against Wolves and Girona.
In Saliba’s absence, Arteta was forced to adjust his defensive setup in the draw with Aston Villa. Jurrien Timber, typically deployed as a right-back, was shifted to a centre-back role, and Thomas Partey was asked to fill in at full-back, further highlighting the lack of depth in the defensive positions. Arteta’s decision to move Timber into the heart of the defense also underlined the fact that Arsenal’s options in central defense are becoming increasingly limited.
The prospect of Rice being deployed at centre-back comes at a time when Arsenal’s depth in the position is stretched thin. Arteta has acknowledged that the Gunners have a shortage of right-footed central defenders, which could make Rice’s natural right-footedness an asset in this emergency role.
While it’s not ideal to move Rice away from his usual position as a defensive midfielder, the English international’s understanding of defensive principles and his leadership qualities make him a plausible candidate to fill in at centre-back for the time being. Rice’s ability to read the game, break up attacks, and distribute the ball effectively would make him a capable option in a defensive role, even if it’s out of his usual position.
However, Arteta will need to weigh the risks of such a change. Rice’s primary role in midfield has been vital to Arsenal’s success this season, and moving him out of his comfort zone could impact the team’s overall balance. Yet, given the absence of more established centre-backs, Arteta may have little choice but to rely on Rice in this role until Saliba and the others return to fitness.
As Arsenal’s defensive crisis continues, Arteta will have to make important decisions regarding his team selection for the upcoming matches. The Gunners face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, followed by a trip to Wolves in the Premier League. If Saliba remains unavailable for these fixtures, Arteta could look to Rice in the heart of defense to shore up the team’s defensive line. With White and Tomiyasu also sidelined, Rice’s versatility will be invaluable in these testing times.
While it is far from an ideal solution, the reality is that Arteta has few other options available. Rice’s potential shift to centre-back may not be a permanent fix, but it could be crucial in helping Arsenal navigate this difficult period until their injured defenders return to action.
Arsenal’s defensive options are being stretched thin following injuries to key players like William Saliba, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Mikel Arteta is considering Declan Rice as a temporary centre-back solution, given his versatility and previous experience in the role. While moving Rice away from his midfield position is not ideal, his leadership, defensive awareness, and right-footedness make him a plausible emergency option for Arsenal during this period. The Gunners’ defensive depth will be tested in the coming weeks, but Arteta will be hoping that Rice can help hold things together as they battle through these injuries.
