Arsenal are facing a crucial moment in their season. The Champions League clash against Sporting CP arrives at a time of growing pressure.
However, the situation has now taken the worst possible turn. Declan Rice is a major doubt for the game after missing training at London Colney.
The England international did not take part in the latest session. At the same time, the nature of his injury remains unclear. That uncertainty only adds to the concern.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are already dealing with several absentees. Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are all unavailable.
As a result, Mikel Arteta faces a serious selection headache. However, the timing could not be worse.
Despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, confidence around the squad has dropped sharply. Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the Emirates last weekend.
That result deepened concerns about their current form. At the same time, their season has started to slip away. They lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City in March.
Shortly after, Southampton knocked them out of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, the Premier League title race has also shifted. Arsenal were once nine points clear at the top.
Now, that gap has been reduced to six points. Manchester City closed in with a 3-0 win over Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s side also have a game in hand.
They will face Arsenal at the Etihad this weekend in a decisive clash. As a result, pressure continues to build on Arteta and his players.
And with Declan Rice now a major doubt, Arsenal’s situation ahead of their Champions League clash has become even more difficult.
No sign of Declan Rice at Arsenal’s open training session. Injured quartet of Odegaard, Saka, Timber and Calafiori still missing.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) April 14, 2026
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