Mikel Arteta reacts during Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka and Julian Timber when they face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that both players will miss the first leg of the quarter-final against Portugal, but could return at the weekend.
“They’re not ready yet. Let’s see. Hopefully, if everything goes well, they’ll be ready at the weekend,” Arteta said of Saka and Timber (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
Arsenal come into this match having suffered a disappointing defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup and will be desperate to bounce back strongly. They want to secure a good result in the first leg and the absence of Saka and Timber could be a blow for them. Both players are very important players for Arsenal.
However, Arsenal have a formidable squad and should be able to cope with the absence of two players. Additionally, there is a huge difference in class between the two teams, and Arsenal will be able to achieve results against Sporting CP even without two of their key players.
Arsenal are reaching the end of the season and cannot afford to lose any of their key players to injury. They are in the lead in the race for the Premier League title and are aiming to win the league title this season. They will also aim to further their progress in the UEFA Champions League and win their first European Cup.
The Gunners have already had some attacking struggles this season, and Saka’s absence could complicate things further. Timber has also been exceptional in the fullback role. It remains to be seen whether both players will be able to return to action soon.
