Arsenal Faces Uncertainty Over Declan Rice's Availability for Champions League Quarter-Final

Arsenal's preparations for their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP have been dealt a blow, as Declan Rice is uncertain to participate due to a recent injury. The midfielder missed training on Tuesday, and manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concerns about his availability for the crucial match. Arteta stated that Rice will do everything possible to be fit, but any injury would significantly impact the team. With Arsenal leading 1-0 on aggregate, they are eager to secure a win and progress to the next round. However, the Gunners are also facing a hectic schedule, including a Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday, which has been billed as a 'title decider.' Arteta remains cautious about Rice's condition, saying, 'We have to wait until tomorrow morning to see how a few of the boys are and make the right decision.' Rice appeared to be limping during the second half of the match against Bournemouth after landing awkwardly, which Arteta acknowledged as 'part of the issue.' The Arsenal manager also mentioned that Rice has played a lot of games, which could be contributing to his current condition. The team is already missing several key players, including Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, who were not present during open training on Tuesday morning. Saka has been out since getting injured on England duty, and Arteta hopes he will return in 'days not weeks.' Piero Hincapie and Eberechi Eze, who were only fit enough for the bench against Bournemouth, participated in training. If Rice is unable to play, Arsenal may need to rely on alternative options, such as Christian Norgaard or Leandro Trossard, to fill the void in midfield. The team's upcoming schedule includes a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP, followed by a Premier League match against Manchester City, and potentially a Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.