Arteta hopes Rice will play a pivotal role against PSV

LONDON: Mikel Arteta expects Declan Rice to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s return to the Champions League as the England midfielder prepares to make his debut in the tournament against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

The Gunners are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17, giving Rice his first taste of Europe’s elite club competition after his close-season move from West Ham.

Arteta splashed out £100 million ($124 million) on the midfielder precisely for occasions such as PSV’s visit to the Emirates Stadium in Arsenal’s opening Group B fixture.