Arsenal injury crisis? Mikel Arteta keeps fans guessing ahead of Sporting CP second leg
Mikel Arteta coy on Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and others after absences ahead of Sporting CP clash
Arsenal are preparing for a crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Gunners take a narrow 1-0 lead into the game following Kai Havertz’s late winner in Lisbon, but the tie remains finely balanced given recent results and growing concerns over squad fitness.
Just weeks ago, Arsenal fans were talking about a possible quadruple on the cards, but that has drastically evaporated. Defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and a shock FA Cup exit to Southampton have already ended two trophy hopes.
Then, with the league title looking like a formality as they started last weekend nine points clear of City, a shock home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday saw them end the week just six points ahead having played a game more than Pep Guardiola’s side, who visit the Emirates on Sunday.
This has created an uncomfortable storm for Arsenal, added to by the fact that several key players were missing from the open training session on Tuesday morning.
Arteta keeps cards close to his chest
Concerns have now intensified after several key players were absent from Tuesday’s open training session.
Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice were all missing, raising questions ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season.
Speaking to the media, Mikel Arteta offered little clarity on the situation.
On Declan Rice’s issue, the Basque manager said: “I don’t want to do that [tell you]. I will see how he is tomorrow, but he obviously wasn’t available to train.
“Well, he’s played a lot of games and that is part of the issue.”
On whether Jurrien Timber or Bukayo Saka could return, he was no clearer: “Maybe one of them, so let’s see.”
Arteta did, however, provide some insight into Saka’s condition: “It was something he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue.”
With so many key figures uncertain, Arsenal head into the decisive second leg with more questions than answers.
Arteta is known for keeping opponents guessing with his team news, but whether these are strategic mind games or genuine injury concerns remains to be seen as the Gunners approach a defining moment in their season.
