Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as midfielder Declan Rice is uncertain to feature due to an injury. Rice missed training on Tuesday, and although manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will recover in time, any absence would significantly impact the team.
The Gunners are already without several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori. Arteta expressed concern over Rice's condition, citing the midfielder's heavy workload as a contributing factor. With a crucial Premier League match against Manchester City looming, Arsenal's injury woes have come at an inopportune time.
The team's options to replace Rice are limited, with Christian Norgaard being the only available alternative as a sitting midfielder. Other players, such as Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, could potentially fill the void, but it would require significant adjustments to the team's lineup.
As Arsenal navigates this challenging period, the uncertainty surrounding Rice's availability has added to the pressure on the team.