Arsenal's preparations for their crucial Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as midfielder Declan Rice is a doubt for the match after missing training. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed hope that Rice would be fit, but the player's absence would be a significant setback for the team. Rice appeared to be limping during the second half of the recent match against Bournemouth, and Arteta acknowledged that the midfielder's heavy workload this season may be contributing to the issue. The Gunners are already missing several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, and Arteta will have to make some tough decisions about his lineup for the upcoming match.
With a critical Premier League clash against Manchester City also looming, Arsenal's injury woes could not have come at a worse time.