Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a major fitness concern ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting, with key midfielder Declan Rice facing a late test. Rice, a linchpin in the Gunners' midfield this season, was notably absent from the final team training session, casting doubt on his availability for the high-stakes clash at the Emirates Stadium.

"We have to wait until tomorrow morning to see how the boys are and make the right decision with them," Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference. He acknowledged the heavy workload Rice has carried, suggesting fatigue is a contributing factor, but emphasized the player's determination: "He’s going to try to do everything he possibly can to be with us tomorrow, that’s for sure."

The potential absence of Rice would be a significant blow for Arsenal's European ambitions, adding to an already concerning injury list. Arteta also provided updates on several other stars, confirming that Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori are also doubts after missing training.

Focusing on Saka's persistent achilles issue, Arteta offered a cautiously optimistic timeline: "There is progression, hopefully it’s going to be a matter of days and weeks but we have to see when he’s loading more, how he responds." With the Premier League title race also in full swing, Arteta faces a delicate balancing act to keep his squad fit for the final push of the season.