West Ham United fans were sent into a bit of a panic on Monday when Declan Rice rumours started doing the rounds on social media.
West Ham fans were expecting to see pictures and video from the club’s media team of Rice back with his Hammers teammates.
But when nothing was forthcoming, some started to believe Rice might be ‘doing a Harry Kane’ after weeks of speculation over his West Ham future.
‘Where’s Declan Rice’ asks West Ham insider after “silent” return to training
West Ham insider and Claret and Hugh associate editor Sean Whetstone then posted a message on Twitter asking ‘Where’s Declan Rice’ alongside a Where’s Wally picture.
Whetstone was criticised by some fans for his post but went on to say he – like other fans – expected to see footage of Rice’s return.
“I am was expecting to see a video of him arriving in the car park and the odd photo him being tested in the gym,” Whetstone said on Twitter.
And when pressed, Whetstone said his information is that Rice had indeed showed for training.
Much ado about nothing as insiders confirm Rice has not ‘done a Harry Kane’
Whetstone added: “My information is he has turned up for testing today, just waiting for the photos from the club to confirm it. He has to go through COVID testing, medical screening, weighing and fitness tests like everyone else.”
But it seems the resulting Rice meltdown is much ado about nothing.
Another West Ham insider, ExWHUemployee, took to his West Ham Way Patreon site to give his version of events.
“I am not sure why this is the latest meltdown on twitter but I can confirm that Declan was at training today and there is nothing to panic about,” ExWHUemployee said on The West Ham Way Patreon site.
Club wouldn’t share Rice going through Covid testing but expect plenty of footage when talisman rejoins the group
Having been abroad – and with West Ham’s first game of the new Premier League season just 12 days away – Rice would have had to go through strict Covid testing before rejoining the group.
Medical processes are a private matter and therefore would not – and have not throughout the course of the pandemic – be captured on camera and shared with fans.
Once Rice has the all clear to rejoin the main group expect to see plenty of footage of the midfield talisman getting down to business at Rush Green.
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