Rice and Gabriel return to training before Champions League quarter-final

Credit: Getty Images

Declan Rice and Gabriel have returned to training ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting on Tuesday, providing a major boost for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Rice had been a doubt for the crucial European clash after leaving the England squad during March’s international break following a medical assessment. The midfielder subsequently missed Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

Gabriel was also in question after being forced off with a knee issue during the loss on the south coast, raising concerns about the defender’s availability for the trip to Lisbon.

However, both players participated in first-team training at London Colney on Monday, suggesting they are in contention to feature when the Gunners face Sporting at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Leandro Trossard also returned to training after his own fitness concerns, giving Arteta additional options in attack. The Belgian winger’s availability will be welcome news as Arsenal look to bounce back from consecutive defeats.

Bukayo Saka remains absent from training after also departing the England camp early during the international break. The winger’s continued absence represents a significant concern for the north London side, particularly given his importance to their attacking play this season.

Arsenal seeking to end losing streak

The return of Rice and Gabriel comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who will be desperate to avoid a third straight defeat when they face Sporting. The club’s recent form has been concerning, with the FA Cup exit following their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Despite the setbacks in cup competitions, Arsenal remain in a commanding position in the Premier League title race. The Gunners sit nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City as they chase their first league title since the Invincibles season of 2003-04.

The Champions League represents Arsenal’s best chance of European silverware, having never won the competition in their history. The quarter-final tie against Sporting provides an opportunity to continue their continental journey, though they will face a Portuguese side that has proven capable of causing upsets in European competition.

Focus returns to title race

Following Tuesday’s first leg in Lisbon, Arsenal will quickly turn their attention back to domestic matters with a Premier League fixture against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The home match against the Cherries represents an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table and maintain momentum in the title race. With Manchester City showing no signs of letting up in their pursuit, every point will be crucial in the final weeks of the season.

Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya are scheduled to speak with the media in Portugal on Monday evening, where the Arsenal boss is expected to provide further updates on his squad’s fitness ahead of the European tie.