Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a significant team update ahead of tonight's crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP, confirming the absence of two key players.

Star winger Bukayo Saka and defender Jurrien Timber will both miss the trip to Portugal. Arteta revealed in his pre-match press conference that the duo are not yet ready to feature, dealing a blow to the Gunners' plans as they seek a positive result in Europe.

The North London side heads into this high-stakes clash looking to bounce back from a difficult period, having suffered defeats in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup either side of the international break. The absence of Saka, in particular, robs Arsenal of a primary creative and goal-scoring threat on the right flank.

However, there is positive news to balance the squad sheet. Defender Gabriel has been passed fit after being substituted in the weekend's Premier League match. Key figures Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and William Saliba also participated in Monday's training session, offering Arteta more options as he reshuffles his lineup.

With the Premier League title race intensifying, managing squad fitness across multiple competitions is paramount. Arsenal will be hoping for a strong performance in Lisbon to take a positive result back to the Emirates, all while keeping one eye on a swift return for their sidelined stars.