Arsenal are facing a potential injury crisis ahead of two crucial fixtures this week, with at least five senior players absent from training on Tuesday.
The Gunners are preparing for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, followed by a high-stakes Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday that could decide the title race.
Manager Mikel Arteta may have to contend with the absence of Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, all of whom were not present for Tuesday’s session.
Rice was the only member of the group to feature in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, while the others have been sidelined in recent weeks. Odegaard and Calafiori both made brief returns in last week’s 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton, with Odegaard starting and Calafiori appearing as a substitute.
The absences add to Arsenal’s existing injury concerns, with Calafiori, Odegaard, Saka and Timber having missed significant recent matches. The club has yet to release official updates on the severity of the players’ conditions or their availability for Wednesday’s European tie.
Arsenal’s depth will be tested as they aim to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg in Lisbon while also maintaining their Premier League title challenge against a City side that has been in formidable form. Arteta’s tactical adjustments and squad rotation could prove decisive in navigating this congested fixture period.
The London club has previously managed injury setbacks during pivotal moments this season, but the potential loss of multiple key players simultaneously presents a fresh challenge as they pursue silverware on two fronts.
