Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is a doubt ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.
Mikel Arteta’s side take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night. If they win, they’ll book a place in the semi-final against Atletico Madrid, who saw off Barcelona.
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However, heading into the game, several key players are in doubt, including defender Jurrien Timber, who would be a huge loss if he was unavailable. He is dealing with a groin issue that he suffered before the international break.
Arteta hasn’t made it clear whether he’ll feature, but if not, we will likely see Timber return against Man City at the weekend.
Expected return date – Sunday 19 April vs Man City
Bukayo Saka
Saka is currently dealing with an Achilles injury that he suffered before the international break. It isn’t understood to be a major issue, and if he misses the Sporting game, then Saka will likely return against Man City.
Arteta said this week: “It was something that he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue. Maybe…we’ll see.”
Expected return date – Sunday 19 April vs Man City
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori was dealing with a minor knock that he picked up at the start of the international break, but it isn’t understood to be a major issue.
He is expected to make a return against Sporting in the Champions League, which will provide Arteta with a major boost to his squad.
Expected return date – Wednesday 15 April vs Sporting Lisbon
Declan Rice
Rice is dealing with a minor knock too that he picked up last time out against Bournemouth. It is understood that he may be fit enough to feature, but he could be left out as a precaution, especially because of the Man City game at the weekend.
Arteta said: “We have to wait and see how he is tomorrow, but obviously he wasn’t available to train. He’s played a lot of games and that’s part of the issue. But he’s going to try to do everything that he possibly can to be with us tomorrow, that’s for sure.”
Expected return date – Wednesday 15 April vs Sporting Lisbon
Mikel Merino
Merino suffered an ankle injury in February, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The Spanish international may be able to return before the last game, but seeing as it is a major injury, and he isn’t a nailed on starter, Arteta will likely stick to his guns, and rule him out.
Expected return date – Next season