Declan Rice Set to Feature Against Sporting CP, Kieran Tierney Returns

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an encouraging injury update regarding Declan Rice, who is in contention to start in their upcoming Champions League match against Sporting CP. The Gunners are set to travel to Lisbon as they seek to improve their standing in the tournament. Arteta confirmed that Rice, who had been a doubt after being left on the bench during the recent 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, has traveled with the squad and is fit to play.

Despite the positive news surrounding Rice, Arsenal will be without defenders Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both of whom are sidelined with knee injuries. In a further boost for the squad, Kieran Tierney has returned to training and is included in the traveling party for the first time in almost two years. Arteta expressed his delight at Tierney's comeback, acknowledging the depth in the left-back position but emphasizing Tierney’s importance to the squad.

As Arsenal prepares to face Sporting CP, Arteta stressed the need for improved efficiency in front of goal, particularly in away games in the Champions League. The Gunners have struggled to score away from home this season and will need to rectify this to secure their second away victory in European competition. "The efficiency that we have shown inside the box... is not at the level required to win consistently," Arteta noted, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities.