Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow as Declan Rice is uncertain to play due to an injury. Rice missed training on Tuesday, and while Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will be fit, any absence would be a significant setback for the Gunners.
With a crucial Premier League match against Manchester City looming, Arsenal's squad is already depleted, missing key players such as Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori. Arteta remains optimistic about Rice's chances, saying he will do everything possible to be ready for the match. However, the midfielder's potential absence raises concerns, given the lack of a suitable replacement.
Arsenal's options to fill the void include Christian Norgaard, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, or Myles Lewis-Skelly, but each comes with its own set of challenges. The Gunners are facing a critical week, with their Champions League ambitions and Premier League title hopes hanging in the balance.