Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as Declan Rice is a doubt for the match due to an injury. Rice missed training on Tuesday, and although Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will be fit, the midfielder's potential absence would be a significant setback for the Gunners. With a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City also looming, Arsenal's injury woes have deepened, as they are still without Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori. Arteta has expressed concern over Rice's fitness, citing the player's heavy workload as a contributing factor.
The manager is cautiously optimistic about Saka's return, expecting it to be a matter of days rather than weeks. The absence of Rice, however, poses a significant challenge, as Arsenal lack a direct replacement for the midfielder.
Potential alternatives, such as Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, or Leandro Trossard, may be considered, but each comes with its own set of limitations. As the Gunners navigate a pivotal week in their season, the uncertainty surrounding Rice's availability has added to the pressure on Arteta's team.