Arsenal Faces Concern Over Declan Rice's Availability for Champions League Quarter-Final

Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a potential blow, as Declan Rice is uncertain to participate due to a training absence on Tuesday. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed that Rice will exert all efforts to be fit for the crucial match, but his potential absence would significantly impact the team. Arsenal is already missing several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, who were not present in open training. Saka has been sidelined since his injury while on England duty, and Arteta hopes for his return within days rather than weeks. The Gunners face a huge week, with a Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday, and the uncertainty surrounding Rice's availability adds to their concerns. Arsenal's options to replace Rice are limited, with Christian Norgaard being the only other available choice as a sitting midfielder. Other players like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Myles Lewis-Skelly could potentially fill the role, but it's not an ideal situation for the team.