Mikel Arteta has provided key injury updates ahead of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League second-leg clash with Sporting CP, with several first-team players facing late fitness tests.
The biggest concern surrounds Declan Rice, who missed training ahead of the match. Arteta suggested the absence was partly due to workload management, adding that a final decision on his availability would be made close to kickoff.
There are also doubts over Bukayo Saka, who is still recovering from an Achilles problem and is expected to miss the game, with his return timeline still uncertain.
Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard are also racing against time to be fit, having missed recent training sessions. Arteta hinted that one of the injured players could return but stopped short of confirming names.
Meanwhile, Mikel Merino remains ruled out with a longer-term injury, leaving Arsenal potentially short in midfield options.
Arteta remained cautious in his update, saying the team would “wait until the last moment” before making final decisions on several players, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the squad ahead of the crucial tie.
Despite the injury concerns, the Arsenal boss expressed confidence in his squad, urging his players to show “no fear” as they aim to secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
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