By Hughie Southon

Declan Rice was missing from this afternoon’s line-up – as heavily rumoured – and ClaretandHugn has learned this is as a result of an – as yet – unconfirmed illness.

We were told the captain had been feeling unwell since Thursday and although he has suffered some covid type symptoms he has tested negative.

The stories of his possible absence started circulating on social media earlier in the day and as a result it looks as though Tomas Soucek will be partnered in front of the back four by Manu Lanzini with Mark Noble on the bench.

The club is hoping and believing that Declan will be fit for the “huge game” against Sevilla this week and were unready to take any chances with him today as a result.

After he began to feel unwell on Thursday he was reviewed by the medical staff at the training ground earlier this morning.

The medics had hoped he would be fit and available to travel but sadly that was not the case.

He is reported as feeling fatigued, is lethargic and has a sore throat. His lateral flow test however was clear and he has no temperature.

However, as a result he has been sent for blood tests and PCR this afternoon.