Arsenal’s preparations for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon have been overshadowed by the absence of several major players from open training.
Declan Rice was not involved in the session, while Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were also missing as Mikel Arteta’s side got ready for one of their biggest matches of the season.
Rice absence raises fresh concern
Rice’s omission is the most notable development ahead of the game. The midfielder has been managing a minor issue for some time and previously withdrew from international duty, so his absence may be more precautionary than serious.
Even so, any uncertainty around one of Arsenal’s most important players is far from ideal at this stage of the competition. Rice has been central to the team’s balance, intensity and control, so Sporting will certainly be encouraged if there is any doubt over his availability.
Four more important players also missing
Arsenal were also without Odegaard, Saka, Timber and Calafiori, all of whom had already missed the weekend defeat to Bournemouth.
Their continued absence from training suggests they remain major doubts for the Sporting match as well. That leaves Arteta facing the possibility of going into the game without several of the players who normally shape the team’s structure and attacking quality.
Arsenal still hold the advantage
Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal do have a narrow edge in the tie. Kai Havertz’s late winner in Portugal gave the Gunners a 1-0 lead heading into the return leg, which means they remain in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
However, that advantage is slim enough that any drop in quality or depth could quickly become significant, especially against a Sporting side that will believe there is still a real chance to turn the tie around.
Recent defeat adds pressure
The timing of these absences matters even more because Arsenal come into the match after a damaging home loss to Bournemouth. That result hit confidence at an awkward moment and increased the pressure around the team heading into Europe.
A strong response would quickly change the mood again, but the lack of clarity over key players makes the build-up more uneasy than Arteta would have wanted.
Arteta may keep his cards close to his chest
The Arsenal manager is expected to speak later, though it would not be a surprise if he avoids giving too much away about the condition of his unavailable players.
For now, the picture is simple. Arsenal are still in front in the tie, but they may have to protect that lead without several of their biggest names.
