Mikel Arteta issues Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka updates before crucial Sporting CP tie - UEFA Champions League team news

React to this story

The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second legs are upon us, with Atletico Madrid v Barcelona and Liverpool v Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, before Arsenal v Sporting CP and Bayern Munich v Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Highlights: Kane and Bayern too hot for Real in Bernabeu first leg

Video credit: TNT Sports

Arsenal take a slender first-leg lead back to the capital following their 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in Lisbon last week.

On their return to domestic action on Saturday, a shock 2-1 loss to Bournemouth at the Emirates well and truly opened up the Premier League title race and there was more than a poor result for Mikel Arteta to worry about.

Martin Odegaard was left out of the squad because of a "niggle" picked up in Portugal, the club captain joining Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber on the sidelines.

Transfers

Arsenal push to secure Guimaraes and Vinicius deals - Paper Round

4 hours ago

And the blows did not stop for Arteta and his silverware-chasing side, with the integral Declan Rice sustaining an awkward landing during the second half on Saturday which has cast doubts over his fitness.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Arteta said the relentless schedule has played a part in Rice's physical state.

"He has played a lot of games, and that is part of the issue," Arteta said. "He is going to try to do everything he possibly can to be with us tomorrow evening. That's for sure."

Highlights: Brilliant Bournemouth stun Arsenal as Gunners dealt title blow

Video credit: TNT Sports

Arteta also said Saka is nearing a return, having missed Arsenal's last three matches.Arteta also said Saka is nearing a return, having missed Arsenal's last three matches.

"It was something he had been carrying for a while," the Arsenal boss said. "It was an Achilles issue. No [setback], there is progression. Hopefully, it's a matter of days and not weeks. But he has to see how he responds when he increases his load."

Mikel Merino is a definite absentee as he recovers from foot surgery.

Both Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are one booking away from a suspension in the Champions League, which could impact Arteta's plans for his line-up at the Emirates.

Real Madrid gain Mbappe boost

Kylian Mbappe should be fit and available for Real Madrid's all-important UEFA Champions League second leg against Bayern.

Vincent Kompany's side are 2-1 up from the first leg in the Spanish capital, and there were fears Mbappe could miss the rematch on Wednesday, April 15, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

The France international sustained a forehead cut in Madrid's 1-1 draw at home to Girona on Friday and the 27-year-old was notably absent from training on Sunday after his wound required stitches.

But Mbappe was back in regular training for Los Blancos on Monday, allaying worries that the talisman could not participate in Bavaria in midweek.

Long-term absentees Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo are continuing their respective recoveries, while Aurelien Tchouameni cannot play because of suspension.

For Bayern, their injury list is even less substantial, with only Lennart Karl and goalkeeper Sven Ulreich expected to be out, while Serge Gnabry, who was left out of their most recent Bundesliga squad as a precaution, should be passed fit.

Alexander-Arnold warns Bayern tie is only at 'half-time'

Video credit: TNT Sports

De Jong to start?

On Tuesday, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid renew their rivalry in the Spanish capital, with Hansi Flick offered new solutions to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the second leg.

One player who will not be present is Pau Cubarsi, who was sent off in Barca's defeat at the Camp Nou last week.

Both centre-back Gerard Martin and midfielder Pedri were forced off in successive matches owing to injuries but the pair are expected to be passed fit for the second leg.

Long-term absentee Gavi returned to Barcelona's starting XI for the first time in 11 months in a 4-1 win over Espanyol on Saturday, while Alejandro Balde did likewise.

Frenkie de Jong provided an assist in a seven-minute cameo at the weekend after overcoming a hamstring issue, but it remains to be seen whether Flick will trust the Netherlands international from the start on Tuesday.

Raphinha and Andreas Christensen are both certainties to miss the crucial clash.

Highlights: Atleti claim famous Camp Nou win leaving Barca with work to do

Video credit: TNT Sports

For Atletico, star goalkeeper Jan Oblak was spotted back in training on Monday, though the second leg could come too soon for the Slovenia international, who has missed more than a month of action with a muscle complaint.

David Hancko could also miss out after sustaining an ankle injury in the first-half of the first leg, while fellow defender Marc Pubill is suspended because of an accumulation of cautions.

Jones injury better than feared

Curtis Jones was forced off in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League with head coach Arne Slot confirming the midfielder had "felt a little bit his groin".

Slot went on to say that he would be surprised if Jones was available for Tuesday's crunch clash against Paris Saint-Germain, but there was good news for Liverpool fans on Monday.

The 25-year-old was spotted in training on Monday, though Slot did not speak about his condition in his pre-match press conference.

Rio Ngumoha impressed for The Reds on Saturday, scoring the opener against Fulham to become their youngest-ever Premier League scorer at Anfield.

Slot 'not surprised' by Ngumoha's 'special quality' after Liverpool beat Fulham

Video credit: SNTV

Slot said that the teenager could handle a titanic Champions League tussle, noting that "he can cope with this type of game because of his personality. He doesn't get distracted."

The Dutchman continued: "Everyone who knows his history more, knows he has had a lot of expectation for many years and he's always been able to focus on football and become better and stronger."

Bradley Barcola could line up to face Liverpool at Anfield, having been included in the Parisians' travelling squad, though Fabian Ruiz is still recovering from a knee injury.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

Transfers