Arsenal needed good news. They just got some.
Declan Rice and Gabriel trained with Arsenal’s first team at London Colney on Monday ahead of the Arsenal vs Sporting Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon tonight.
Both had been major doubts. Rice after a medical concern during the England camp, and Gabriel after a knee knock at Southampton.
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Leandro Trossard also returned to training, providing Arteta with added options in attack.
Bukayo Saka, however, was absent after also leaving the England camp early. His availability for Lisbon remains in doubt.
Arsenal’s Wobble and What’s at Stake
Arsenal’s last two results have been defeats — the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton followed the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
A third straight loss, this time in Europe, would deepen the pressure on Arteta’s squad at a critical stage of the season.
The Champions League offers Arsenal a chance to reset and refocus on a competition they have yet to win.
Title Race Still in Arsenal’s Hands
Despite the cup exits, Arsenal remain nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, chasing their first title since 2003-04. A home game against Bournemouth follows on Saturday.
The bigger picture remains intact but European results matter too.
