Arsenal's preparations for their 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 on Tuesday. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over Rice's fitness, stating that the player will do everything possible to be ready for the game, but an injury would be a significant setback for the team. Rice appeared to be limping during the second half of the match against Bournemouth, and Arteta acknowledged that the player's heavy workload this season may be a contributing factor to his current issue. The Gunners are already without several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, who have been absent from recent matches due to injuries.
Saka has been sidelined since suffering an injury while on international duty with England, but Arteta is hopeful that he will return to action soon, predicting that his recovery will be a matter of days rather than weeks. With Arsenal facing a crucial week, including a Premier League clash with Manchester City, the absence of Rice and other key players could have significant implications for the team's chances of success.