Arsenal's midfield maestro Declan Rice is uncertain for the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP, having missed training on Tuesday. According to Mikel Arteta, Rice's fitness will be determined on the morning of the match, as the Gunners also prepare for a crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester City on Sunday.
Rice appeared to be limping during the second half against Bournemouth, and Arteta acknowledged that the accumulation of games played could be a contributing factor to the issue. Rice's potential absence would be a significant blow, particularly given the absence of other key players such as Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori. Saka, who has been out since suffering an injury on England duty, is expected to return within days, with Arteta describing his progress as 'a matter of days, not weeks.' The Gunners have limited options to replace Rice, with Christian Norgaard being the only available alternative as a sitting midfielder. Other potential solutions could include deploying Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, or Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield, although these options may not provide the same level of stability as Rice.
With a pivotal week ahead, featuring a Champions League quarter-final and a Premier League showdown with Manchester City, Arsenal's preparations have been further complicated by Rice's uncertain status.