Blow for Arsenal as big star misses training ahead of Sporting clash

Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their crucial Champions League second-leg encounter with Sporting CP, as midfielder Declan Rice missed training on Tuesday.

Rice, who played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s recent Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, was absent from the session at London Colney.

His absence raises fresh concerns over his fitness ahead of Wednesday’s decisive second-leg clash. Several other first-team players also missed training.

They included Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino. The latter has been sidelined for an extended period.

Rice played a pivotal role in the Gunners’ hard-fought 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Estadio Jose Alvalade last week.

His potential absence would represent a major blow to manager Mikel Arteta, particularly given the importance of the fixture.

The development comes during a challenging run of form for Arsenal, who have recorded just one win in their last four matches across all competitions.

That sequence ended their hopes of securing a historic quadruple this season.

They suffered disappointment in the League Cup final against Manchester City and were subsequently knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton.

Although they responded with a vital European victory over Sporting, another league setback against Bournemouth has intensified scrutiny.

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table, although their lead has been cut to six points.

Man City have a game in hand and could apply further pressure when the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

With a defining week ahead in domestic and European competitions, Arsenal’s injury concerns could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of their season.

The post Blow for Arsenal as big star misses training ahead of Sporting clash first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.