Overview
- Mikel Arteta confirmed in Lisbon that Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber are unavailable for the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Sporting CP.
- Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have rejoined the group, and Gabriel is fit to play after coming off at Southampton.
- Arteta said the two absentees are not yet ready and could be back by the weekend if their recovery holds.
- Saka left the England camp in late March and sat out the Southampton game, and Timber has missed action since mid-March with an ankle issue.
- The manager framed the tie as a chance to answer two recent cup defeats, urging the squad to turn that sting into focus.