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 after missing training on Tuesday. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed hope that Rice will be able to recover in time, but the midfielder's potential absence would be a significant setback for the Gunners. Rice's injury, which appeared to be sustained during the second half of the match against Bournemouth, has added to the team's existing concerns, with several key players already sidelined. The Gunners are also missing Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Riccardo Calafiori, and Arteta is waiting to assess the fitness of several players before making a decision on his lineup.
With a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City looming on Sunday, Arsenal's injury woes have come at a particularly inconvenient time. Arteta has acknowledged that Rice's heavy workload may have contributed to his injury, but the midfielder is determined to play a part in the Champions League quarter-final. The Gunners' options for replacing Rice are limited, with Christian Norgaard and Kai Havertz potential candidates to fill the void in midfield. Leandro Trossard and Myles Lewis-Skelly are also possibilities, although they would be unconventional choices.
As Arsenal navigates a critical period in their season, the uncertainty surrounding Rice's availability has added an extra layer of complexity to their preparations.