David Moyes will see and talk with former captain Declan Rice for the first time tomorrow evening since the finest academy player we have produced in years left the club.
The Gooners arrive at the London Stadium tomorrow night heavy favourites to win the Carabao Cup match given how we have performed over the past three games.
The north London side haven’t lost a match domestically and from all accounts Declan has been in superb form while Moyes – despite being happy to see him again – hopes he doesn’t play a part in the game.
The boss can’t speak highly enough of the defensive midfielder who will be returning to his boyhood club without being a part of it for the first time .
However, sadly for Moyes, with Thomas Partey injured, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the England international will play some role in the match, though it is uncertain whether he’ll be in the starting XI, especially with a tricky league clash at Newcastle on Saturday.
And Moyes said: ‘I hope we’ll see Declan back. This is the man who lifted the first European trophy in 50 years at West Ham. He should be welcomed back with open arms.
‘He was a brilliant member of the team and conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain. I’m really looking forward to seeing him, I’ve not seen him since he left. I’m not sure I want him to play! But I hope he is there.’
‘The way Dec conducted himself, he was involved with the supporters, he was always seen helping the club out,’ Moyes added.
‘And the most important thing was he gave 100 per cent in every game even though we all sort of know he wasn’t staying at West Ham. For that alone he deserves to be cheered.’
