Declan Rice sends message on Instagram as Arsenal end US pre-season tour

Declan Rice was unavailable for selection as Arsenal secured a 5-3 win over Barcelona earlier today in Los Angeles.

The midfielder featured in the games against MLS All-Stars and Manchester United but missed out on the Barca victory due to a knock.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed after the match that Rice was at the receiving end of a kick in training, and they decided not to risk him against the La Liga side as he was not feeling comfortable training yesterday.

The former West Ham United captain would have loved to play against Barcelona but was in the stands cheering his teammates on.

Rice enjoyed the match and has taken to his Instagram stories to send a message to the fans and players after the game.

Arsenal return to action on August 2, when they face AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup.

Their season start with the FA Community Shield match against Manchester City on August 6, and they need Rice available for such a game.

The Gunners kick off the new Premier League season on August 12 against Nottingham Forest, and it is understandable to see why Arteta was unwilling to risk Rice against Barcelona.

While the game was a friendly, the intensity on display between both clubs was pretty high as they all gave their all.

There were no guarantees that Rice was going to emerge unscathed if he had been thrown into action, and Arteta made a very wise choice.

Arsenal need their £105 million signing in pristine condition ahead of the new season, and fans will hope the knock is not a serious one.