Arsenal head into their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP with a mixed injury update, as key returns are balanced by fresh absences.
Manager Mikel Arteta has received a timely boost with Declan Rice set to return to the squad. The midfielder missed the recent FA Cup defeat but trained ahead of the trip to Lisbon and is expected to start.
There is also positive news in defence. Gabriel Magalhães has recovered from a knee scare and is likely to partner William Saliba at centre-back.
However, Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka, who has not travelled due to injury. Jurrien Timber also remains sidelined, adding pressure on Arteta’s defensive options.
In attack, Noni Madueke is expected to replace Saka on the right flank, while Martin Ødegaard will continue to lead the midfield. Viktor Gyökeres is set to lead the line against his former club.
Arsenal are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 system, with David Raya in goal and new defensive adjustments including Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori.
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup:
Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Inacio, Mangas; Braganca, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Gyokeres, Madueke.
Match Prediction:
Sporting CP 1-1 Arsenal