Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber will not be available for the first leg of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting CP, according to head coach Mikel Arteta. This presents a dilemma for the Gunners as they travel to Lisbon.
The first game will take place in Portugal on Tuesday, April 7, while the second game will take place at the Emirates Stadium on April 15. After experiencing recent losses in domestic competitions, Arsenal is aiming for a berth in the semi-finals as they want to win silverware.
Arteta’s team is coming off two straight losses, including a loss to Manchester City in the League Cup final and an FA Cup elimination against Southampton. The coach has asked his players to use their disappointment as inspiration for the upcoming European game.
Due to injury concerns, Saka withdrew from the England squad and hasn’t played since the FA Cup loss to Southampton. Timber has missed the last few games due to a groyne injury. Both players are out for the opening leg because they did not participate in training prior to the journey to Lisbon.
“They’re facing some challenges, and they’re not prepared yet,” Arteta said, expressing optimism that both players would make a comeback later in the week. We’re hoping they’ll be well for this weekend, which would be really beneficial because we’ve lately lost a number of key players.
Positively, Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães, and Leandro Trossard have all been reported fit for Arsenal, giving Arteta extra options for the forthcoming game.
Arsenal wants to remain competitive going into the second leg in London, while Sporting CP, who have a reputation for playing well at home in European games, is expected to be a formidable opponent.
Discover more from Headline Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
