Arsenal key players, Declan Rice and Gabriel, have returned to training ahead of Tuesday's crucial Champions League quarter-final against Sporting. This comes as a significant boost for the team following their recent FA Cup quarter-final loss to Southampton.
Rice, 27, had left the England squad following a medical assessment during March's international break. The midfielder missed Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final loss due to this health concern. However, his return to first-team training at London Colney base on Monday signals his potential involvement in the upcoming match in Lisbon.
Similarly, Brazilian defender Gabriel was forced off with a knee issue after taking a knock during the defeat on the south coast. His participation in Monday’s training session indicates that he is also likely ready for action again.
Other team updates
In addition to Rice and Gabriel’s return, Belgian winger Leandro Trossard has also resumed training. However, Bukayo Saka was not involved after he too left the England camp early.
Premier League table leaders Arsenal will be looking forward to avoiding a third straight defeat on Tuesday (20:00 BST), after their FA Cup exit followed by their Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City. Despite these setbacks, they remain nine points clear of second-placed City as they chase their first league title since 2003-04 season.
The team will then shift its focus back onto domestic matters with an important home game against Bournemouth on Saturday. To further discuss these developments and more about Arsenal’s strategy moving forward, Boss Mikel Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya are scheduled to speak with media representatives later on Monday in Portugal.
