Arsenal look set to be without a number of key players for Wednesday’s match against Sporting
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Declan Rice (right) missed open training on Tuesdayopen image in gallery
Declan Rice (right) missed open training on Tuesday (Reuters)
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Arsenal are facing a significant injury crisis ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon, with key midfielder Declan Rice notably absent from Tuesday’s open training session.
His non-appearance raises serious concerns for the Gunners as they prepare for Wednesday’s fixture.
Rice, who had previously withdrawn from England’s international friendly against Japan last month, had returned to action for Arsenal’s first leg against Sporting in Lisbon last week and even captained the side in their surprising Premier League defeat by Bournemouth at the weekend.
However, he did not join his teammates at London Colney for the final preparations for Wednesday’s Champions League match.
The club’s injury woes extend beyond Rice, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori also missing from the group session.
Saka has been sidelined for Arsenal’s last three matches, while captain Odegaard, who has struggled with injuries this season, was unfit for the Bournemouth loss.
Declan Rice did not join his teammates for open training on Tuesdayopen image in gallery
Declan Rice did not join his teammates for open training on Tuesday (PA Wire)
Timber, a standout performer, has not featured since a 2-0 victory over Everton a month ago.
Arsenal head into the Emirates clash holding a slender one-goal advantage from the first leg after Kai Havertz’s injury-time winner last week.
The team will be eager to rebound from their disappointing 2-1 defeat to the Cherries, which allowed Manchester City to reduce their Premier League lead from nine points to six.
A pivotal trip to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola’s side awaits Arsenal on Sunday, but first they must deal with Sporting as they bid to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season.
Mikel Arteta’s men are unbeaten in Europe this season, having secured impressive league phase wins over Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid earlier in the campaign.
They battled past Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16 last month, and are now in pole position to make the last four once again.