Arsenal received a boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting as Declan Rice and Gabriel returned to full training on Monday. The pair had missed Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton due to injury concerns. Rice, 27, had left the England camp during the international break following a medical assessment, while Gabriel was substituted in the second half at St Mary's after taking a knock to the knee. Both players took part in first-team sessions at the club's London Colney training ground ahead of the trip to Lisbon. Belgian forward Leandro Trossard also rejoined training, offering further selection options for manager Mikel Arteta. However, Bukayo Saka did not feature in the session after exiting the England camp early with a minor issue. Arteta's squad flew to Portugal later on Monday as they prepare for the crucial European tie.
The return of Declan Rice and Gabriel ahead of the Sporting clash gives Mikel Arteta much-needed defensive and midfield stability at a critical stage of the season. With Rice having undergone a medical assessment during the international break, his swift recovery suggests Arsenal are managing his workload carefully amid a congested fixture schedule. That Leandro Trossard is also back in training increases attacking depth, but Saka's absence raises minor concern given his importance to the team. Arsenal's ability to navigate this period hinges on keeping key players fit, and Rice's immediate availability could prove pivotal in both legs of the tie.
