FBL-EUR-C1-ARSENAL-TRAINING
Rice was absent from training on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal have a number of injury concerns heading into tonight’s Champions League showdown with Sporting CP.
The Gunners were given a real test in the first leg of their quarter-final in Lisbon last week but Kai Havertz’s late goal has them in control at the halfway stage.
Mikel Arteta’s side are just 90 minutes from the semi-finals where Atletico Madrid await but may have to get the job done without some of his first-team stars once again.
Declan Rice was absent from training on Tuesday having played the full 90 minutes at the weekend against Bournemouth.
The England international has been almost ever-present in the starting XI this season, missing just one game through injury but is a doubt for tonight’s second leg in north London.
Arteta refused to disclose any details surrounding the issue when he spoke to the press yesterday, insisting Rice is doing everything he can to ensure he is available.
Bukayo Saka has missed Arsenal’s three games since the international break ended with Arteta revealing the winger has been struggling with an Achilles injury.
Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Saka has been nursing an Achilles injury (Picture: Getty Images)
Arteta was hopeful he would return last weekend but Saka remains a doubt tonight.
Jurrien Timber has not played since the win over Everton a month ago due to a groin problem with Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori also absent from training on Tuesday.
Arsenal XI to face Sporting – Metro prediction
It’s difficult for Arteta – there can be no further slip-ups tonight but at the same time, he cannot afford to rush anyone back with that titanic clash with Manchester City waiting this weekend.
Martin Zubimendi is among those looking jaded and in need of a breather but with Odegaard and Rice still doubts, there is little alternative.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz were game changers off the bench last week in Portugal which may be enough to earn them starting berths this evening.
Arsenal vs Sporting TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Arsenal vs Sporting kicks off tonight (15 April) at 8pm.
You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.
MORE: Thierry Henry highlights Arsenal weakness ahead of Champions League game vs Sporting
MORE: Arne Slot makes Mohamed Salah transfer claim after Liverpool’s Champions League exit
MORE: Raphinha makes gesture to Atletico Madrid fans ahead of possible Arsenal tie in Champions League