Arsenal's preparations for their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting have hit a potential snag, with several key players absent from team training. Midfield linchpin Declan Rice was notably missing from the session open to media, raising immediate concerns for manager Mikel Arteta.

The list of absentees extends beyond Rice, casting a shadow over the squad. Star winger Bukayo Saka, captain Martin Ødegaard, and defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber were also not involved in the visible part of training. Saka has already missed Arsenal's last three matches after withdrawing from the England squad, while Ødegaard, Calafiori, and Timber were all unavailable for the recent Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.

Timber's ongoing recovery from an ankle issue has now seen him miss five consecutive games. However, it's important to note that training absences do not automatically rule a player out of matchday contention. Arteta is expected to provide a definitive team news update later today, which will clarify the availability of his squad for this high-stakes European night at the Emirates.

With the tie finely poised, the fitness of these core players could be decisive. Their potential absence would test the depth and resilience of an Arsenal side looking to advance to the semi-finals and continue a memorable Champions League campaign.