Arsenal Concerned as Declan Rice Misses Training Ahead of Champions League Clash

Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as Declan Rice was absent from training. Although his absence does not necessarily mean he will miss the match, it is a concern for the team, especially given the importance of the upcoming week. The Gunners are still without Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, who have been missing in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie and Eberechi Eze, who were only fit enough for the bench in the defeat to Bournemouth, took part in training. Mikel Arteta will provide more information on Rice's absence and the team's injury news during his press conference. The absence of Rice, one of Arsenal's key players, could be particularly problematic, as there is no direct replacement for him due to Mikel Merino's long-term injury. Possible alternatives include Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, or Myles Lewis-Skelly, but each has its drawbacks. With crucial matches against Manchester City and potentially Barcelona or Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Arsenal's injury woes could not have come at a worse time.