Arsenal's preparations for their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as midfielder Declan Rice is uncertain to feature due to a potential injury. Rice missed training on Tuesday, and although manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful he can recover in time, any absence would be a significant setback for the Gunners. Arsenal are already without several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, and the potential loss of Rice would further weaken their squad. Arteta acknowledged that Rice's injury is 'part of the issue' and stated that the player will do everything possible to be fit for the match.
However, with a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City looming on Sunday, Arsenal's injury woes could not have come at a worse time. The Gunners lead 1-0 on aggregate against Sporting CP, but they will need to be at full strength to navigate their challenging upcoming schedule, which includes a potential Champions League semi-final and several critical Premier League matches.