Declan Rice believes his body is capable of coping with another season featuring more than 60 appearances, despite Arsenal keeping a close eye on his workload following a physically demanding World Cup campaign.

The Arsenal midfielder made 69 appearances for club and country last season, but his remarkable availability came at a cost. During the World Cup, Rice disclosed that he had been dealing with neural pain affecting his back and hamstring. He is understood to have received a pain-relieving injection after suffering a hamstring problem in December.

Arsenal are now monitoring the 27-year-old carefully. Rice had only three weeks away from football before returning to training, and he was back working with the squad just one week before last month’s Community Shield.

Arsenal managing Rice’s workload

Rice’s workload has become particularly significant because of the role he continues to play in Mikel Arteta’s side. He began the season on the bench against Manchester City in Cardiff, entering the match as a replacement for Bruno Guimarães during Arsenal’s victory.

Since then, Rice has been named in the starting lineup for every Arsenal match. Guimarães is gradually being brought back following his injury, with the Brazilian’s minutes being carefully managed.

Arsenal spent £75m to bring Guimarães from Newcastle in part because his arrival was expected to provide Rice with greater protection from an excessive workload. However, the England international was still required to play the entire Champions League win against Napoli on Wednesday, while Mikel Merino was the player withdrawn to make room for Guimarães.

For Rice, however, playing such a demanding schedule is nothing unfamiliar.

“I think for the last six seasons, even since my West Ham days when they were in Europe, I’ve played 60-plus every season,” Rice said. “So I think it is sustainable because I’ve shown that I can do it.

“It’s just about maintaining it, maintaining the level and the consistency of the performances. For me, that’s the main thing, showing up every week, giving a good account of myself and helping the team win. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do that. So I’m really hungry to be able to do that again this season.”

Rice says he has recovered from World Cup strain

Arsenal had been prepared to give Rice additional time away from football following his World Cup commitments. The midfielder, though, was eager to return in time for the beginning of the new campaign.

His demanding schedule could continue with England. Rice is expected to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for upcoming Nations League games against Spain, Czechia and Croatia when the squad is announced next Friday.

There remains uncertainty over whether Rice will be involved in every match. Arsenal are likely to ask England to provide additional rest for both Rice and Bukayo Saka given the workload they have already accumulated.

Rice admitted that the World Cup period had been difficult physically. The combination of a long Premier League campaign, Champions League football and the tournament itself, played in intense heat, placed considerable demands on him.

Despite that, he insists his current condition is much better.

“I feel really good at the minute, in really good form, so we’ll make it continue,” he said.

Rice acknowledged that his hamstring problem was widely known, but explained that the issue had to be considered alongside the physical demands of the season that preceded the World Cup.

“I think everyone knew I had an issue with a neural hamstring. But also on the top of the Premier League season, which was so demanding, the Champions League, to then play a World Cup in that heat really does take its toll.”

The midfielder explained that he always wants to enter international matches in the best possible condition, particularly because of the expectations that come with representing England.

“I’m a player that goes on the pitch, wants to be fresh and give 100% every time I put on an England shirt,” Rice said.

There were periods during the tournament when he felt close to his best, although he also experienced moments when his physical condition was not where he wanted it to be.

“Yes, there were stages where I felt really, really good and stages where I didn’t feel so good,” he added. “There were a few things that frustrated me, just with myself, just not feeling 100%. It’s one of those things I just had to manage.”

Rice backs Kane for Ballon d’Or success

Rice’s recent performances have also helped earn him recognition on the individual stage. He is among three England players nominated for the Ballon d’Or this week, alongside Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

The prestigious ceremony will be held in London on 26 October rather than its traditional Paris setting. The change of venue is intended as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner in 1956.

While Rice is among the nominees, he would like to see Kane claim the prize. The England captain is attempting to become the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen received it in 2001.

“I would love to see Harry win it,” Rice said. “So I’m wishing him all the best in that.”