Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with a fresh injury concern as midfielder Declan Rice was notably absent from the club's open training session on Tuesday, casting doubt over his availability for the decisive Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon.
Rice Withdrawal Raises Alarm
The England international, who recently withdrew from national team duty against Japan, had returned to feature in Arsenal's first-leg victory in Lisbon and captained the side in their surprise Premier League defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. His failure to participate in Tuesday's session at London Colney has sparked significant worry within the camp.
Mounting Absentees for Gunners
Rice is not the only key player potentially sidelined. Arsenal could also be without Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori, all of whom were missing from the group training. Saka has now missed three consecutive matches, while captain Odegaard, plagued by fitness issues this season, was unfit for the Bournemouth loss.
Timber, one of Arsenal's standout performers, last appeared in a 2-0 win over Everton a month ago, further depleting Arteta's options.
Crucial Fixture Ahead
Arsenal enter Wednesday's match at the Emirates Stadium holding a narrow one-goal advantage from the first leg. The team is aiming to recover from a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bournemouth, which allowed Manchester City to reduce their lead at the Premier League summit from nine points to six.
This setback adds pressure ahead of a pivotal trip to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola's side on Sunday, making squad fitness a critical factor in their title and European ambitions.
