Arsenal have been dealt a late injury blow ahead of the upcoming games against Sporting CP and Manchester City, with Declan Rice now a doubt for the crucial fixtures.
Declan Rice joins Arsenal injury list
Injury problems are starting to mount up for Mikel Arteta at the worst possible time, with his side facing increasing pressure from Man City in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners handed Pep Guardiola's side a golden opportunity to close the gap to six points, after succumbing to a shock 2-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, and their title rivals made no mistake, running out 3-0 winners against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, the Gunners have had to make do without Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, with all four players missing training on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting.
Rice was also absent from the group session ahead of tomorrow night's crucial game, picking up what could be a late injury, after featuring in the shock defeat against Bournemouth at the weekend.
The severity of the issue remains unclear, but if the midfielder were to be ruled out for an extended period, it would be a massive boost for City, given that he has been one of Arteta's most important players this season, missing just one Premier League game.
The England international is also performing very well across numerous metrics for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, when compared to other members of the squad.
Declan Rice's key stats Number completed Ranking
Assists 5 Joint 1st
Accurate passes per 90 54.5 2nd
Big chances created 16 1st
Defensive contributions per 90 10.9 1st
Interceptions per 90 1.0 3rd
Evidently, losing Rice would be a blow, but he is not the only injury concern, with four other players also doubts for tomorrow night's crucial Champions League quarter-final.
Bukayo Saka
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Saka has been absent for Arsenal's last three matches, but it may not be too long before Arsenal's starboy returns, with Arteta saying ahead of Sporting: “It was something he was carrying with a while. It was an achilles issue. There is progression but hopefully days not weeks.”
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal-Martin-Odegaard
Odegaard was also forced to miss the match against Bournemouth, having struggled on the injury front all season, with the Norwegian being limited to just 20 appearances in the Premier League.
However, there have been some suggestions the captain's current issue isn't too serious, which indicates he could play a part in the Gunners' push for the Premier League title and a maiden Champions League triumph.
Riccardo Calafiori
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Calafiori's campaign has been disjointed too, with the Italian missing seven Premier League games, including the defeat against the Cherries.
As such, Myles Lewis-Skelly was given the nod at left-back, with Arteta keeping his cards close to his chest regarding why the 23-year-old was absent, saying: “Richy was not available today. Piero, he's just come back from injury. He's done so well to be in contention to play and Myles is obviously a top player."
Jurrien Timber
Timber-Arsenal
Timber has missed some important games recently, including the first leg against Sporting, and the EFL Cup final defeat against Manchester City.
Having also missed training on Tuesday, the Dutchman is a doubt for Sporting, which leaves Ben White as the natural choice at right-back.
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