Arsenal's preparations for their crucial Champions League quarter-final clash with Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as midfielder Declan Rice is uncertain to participate due to an injury. Rice missed training on Tuesday, and although manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will recover in time, the prospect of his absence is a significant concern for the team.
The Gunners are already without several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, and Rice's potential absence would further exacerbate their selection woes. Arteta acknowledged that Rice's injury, which appears to be related to an awkward landing during the match against Bournemouth, is a concern, but the player is determined to be fit for the upcoming game.
The manager also provided an update on Saka's injury, stating that it is an Achilles issue and that he hopes the player will return to action within days rather than weeks. With a pivotal week ahead, including a Premier League showdown with Manchester City, Arsenal's injury struggles could have a significant impact on their chances of success. The team's options to replace Rice are limited, with Christian Norgaard being the only other available sitting midfielder, although players like Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Myles Lewis-Skelly could potentially fill the void.