Arsenal trio set for return with key defender still missing for Sporting clash

Credit: Getty Images

Arsenal could welcome back up to three key players as the club prepares for a crucial week that could define their season, with Champions League and title hopes hanging in the balance.

The Gunners face Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, before travelling to Manchester City for a potential title decider on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard emerged as a major doubt after picking up a “niggle” during the first leg victory in Lisbon, forcing him to miss the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend. The Arsenal captain was substituted in the 70th minute against Sporting, with the Evening Standard reporting that Mikel Arteta remains hopeful of his return for either Wednesday’s clash or the City showdown.

“He’s the one that connects everybody, that glides everybody together, that makes the team flow in a way that nobody else can do that,” Arteta explained when discussing Odegaard’s importance to the side.

Saka absence continues

Bukayo Saka’s fitness concerns have mounted after the winger missed his third consecutive match against Bournemouth. Initially thought to have been rested for the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton, Saka’s continued absence from training sessions suggests his injury is more serious than first anticipated.

The England international withdrew from international duty last month as Thomas Tuchel looked to manage key players’ workloads, but his extended absence has become a significant concern for Arteta’s attacking options.

Riccardo Calafiori presents another fitness puzzle after playing the full 90 minutes in Lisbon but being completely omitted from the Bournemouth squad. The Italian defender has struggled for consistency, failing to start consecutive Premier League matches since early December.

Defensive boost expected

Arsenal received positive news regarding Piero Hincapie, who returned to the matchday squad at the weekend after missing recent fixtures with an unspecified injury. The Ecuadorian defender could be in contention to start against Sporting as the club looks to shore up their defensive options.

However, Jurrien Timber remains a longer-term absentee. The Dutch defender has been sidelined for nearly a month with an ankle problem sustained during the 2-0 victory over Everton, also forcing his withdrawal from Netherlands duty.

Mikel Merino continues his recovery from foot surgery performed in February, with Arteta revealing the midfielder is “out of his boot” and progressing well, though a return timeline remains uncertain.

Arsenal’s injury situation will be crucial as they attempt to navigate two potentially season-defining fixtures, with Champions League progression and Premier League title aspirations both on the line within the space of four days.