Arsenal have received a significant lift with Declan Rice returning to full training, putting the midfielder in contention for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Sporting Lisbon.
The England international, who has been playing through discomfort for several months, missed the FA Cup defeat to Southampton and withdrew from the latest England squad as a precaution. His potential availability provides a timely boost for manager Mikel Arteta as he navigates a persistent injury list.
Injury picture clears for some, remains cloudy for others
Alongside Rice, defender Gabriel Magalhaes and forward Leandro Trossard also took part in training on Monday. Gabriel had been substituted with a knee issue against Southampton after previously withdrawing from Brazil duty, while Trossard missed the cup tie with a hip problem. Their participation is an encouraging sign ahead of the trip to Portugal.
However, a cluster of key players remain absent or are major doubts. Bukayo Saka, who also pulled out of England duty to manage his workload, was not seen in training and his availability is uncertain. Jurrien Timber, suffering from an ankle injury sustained three weeks ago, was also absent and is a doubt.
The situation is more definitive for Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie, both confirmed as absentees for the European tie. Arteta stated that Eze, out with a calf problem, has no set return date, with reports suggesting a four-to-six week layoff. Hincapie sustained what the manager described as a “serious” hamstring injury on international duty and his return date is unknown. Mikel Merino was also not filmed in training.
There was more positive news on Noni Madueke, with Arteta confirming his injury is not as serious as first feared and he is expected back within days.
Rice’s return reshapes crucial midfield options
Declan Rice’s potential return is particularly pivotal for Arsenal’s engine room. His presence would offer a major stabilising force in a midfield that could be without other options. Martin Zubimendi, who withdrew from Spain duty with knee discomfort, was not filmed in training, casting doubt over his involvement.
This could see Rice slot directly back into the base of midfield, potentially alongside or in place of Zubimendi, with captain Martin Odegaard operating ahead of them. Arteta has previously heaped praise on Rice’s mentality, saying last week: “He’s been phenomenal because that’s been going on for a while and the fact that he’s been able to perform and consistently commit to the team in that manner. He talks about how much he wants to play for us and how much he wants to win.”
His ability to break up play and launch attacks will be vital against a Sporting side that demonstrated remarkable resilience to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bodo/Glimt in the previous round, winning the second leg 5-0.
Arsenal’s schedule, though still demanding, has been slightly eased after their shock 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Championship side Southampton last Saturday. That result, which followed their Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, means the Champions League and the Premier League are the only remaining pursuits this season.
In the league, the Gunners hold a commanding position, sitting nine points clear at the summit with seven games left to play as they aim to win the title for the first time since 2004 in their 100th consecutive top-flight season. After facing Sporting, their Premier League run-in includes fixtures against Bournemouth and a pivotal meeting with Manchester City on April 19.
