Big boost for Arsenal with £22m Sporting CP star suspended, 5 UCL goals this season

Arsenal have been handed a big boost with Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez suspended for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday.

The Gunners ended a two-match losing run with a hard-fought win (1-0) over Sporting on the road. Kai Havertz made the difference, scoring in the 91st minute from a Gabriel Martinelli assist.

Sporting CP had their moments too in the final third, but David Raya was exceptional in goal. He made five saves during the game, including a sublime fingertip stop to deny Maxi Araujo.

Suarez led the line for Sporting CP. The Colombian had a frustrating start but was more effective after the break. The former Watford man produced a fine pass for Geny Catamo’s close-range shot.

The £22 million signing had a brilliant scoring chance from a rebound, but Raya was on guard to deny him.

Havertz eventually scored a late winner for the Gunners in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. Arsenal will host the Portuguese champions in the second leg next Wednesday.

Ahead of the game, they have received a massive boost with Suarez suspended. The striker picked up his third yellow card of the Champions League season, which warrants a one-game ban.

Big boost for the Gunners

Suarez signed for Sporting CP as a replacement for Viktor Gyokeres last summer. He has been a revelation for them with 33 goals and seven assists from 43 appearances thus far.

He has also proved his credentials in the Champions League with five goals and two assists this term. This includes a brace in the surprise 2-1 win over holders Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon.

Hence, his absence is a major boost for the London giants ahead of the reverse leg at the Emirates.

With Fotis Ioannidis also injured, Sporting CP graduate Rafael Nel, who considers Gyokeres as his idol, looks poised to lead the line for the Primeira Liga outfit in north London next week.

The 21-year-old is relatively inexperienced at the top level with just five appearances this term, scoring two goals. Arsenal still need to be wary of the surprise element he could offer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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