Arsenal's preparations for their crucial Champions League quarter-final match against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as midfielder Declan Rice is uncertain to play due to an injury. Rice missed training on Tuesday, and although manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful that he will recover in time, any absence would be a significant setback 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 complicate their midfield options. Arteta expressed concern over Rice's injury, stating that he would do everything possible to ensure the player's availability, but a final decision will be made after assessing his condition on Wednesday morning.
The manager attributed Rice's injury to the high number of games he has played, saying, 'He's played a lot of games, that is part of the issue.' Rice had appeared to be limping during the second half of the match against Bournemouth after landing awkwardly. Meanwhile, Saka, who has been out with an Achilles issue since his time with the England national team, is expected to return to action soon, with Arteta hoping it will be a matter of 'days, not weeks.' The Gunners have a packed schedule ahead, with a crucial Premier League match against Manchester City on Sunday, and Arteta will need to make key decisions about his lineup in the coming days.
If Rice is unable to play, the team may consider alternative options, such as Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, or Leandro Trossard, to fill the void in midfield.