Declan Rice trains with Arsenal team-mates ahead of trip to Sporting Lisbon

Mon, 06 Apr, 2026 - 15:32

By Philip Duncan, Press Association

Declan Rice has handed Arsenal a significant injury boost for the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.

The England international, who was absent for his side’s shock FA Cup demise at Southampton, joined his team-mates in training at the club’s London Colney headquarters on Monday.

Defender Gabriel, unable to continue at St Mary’s with a knee injury on Saturday night, also participated in training, in another encouraging development for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal players during training — Leandro Trossard, centre, also took part in training (John Walton/PA)

Leandro Trossard, who did not make the journey to the south coast, looks poised to travel to Portugal after he was put through his paces at London Colney. However, Bukayo Saka, who alongside Rice pulled out of England’s friendly against Japan last week, was not involved.

Arsenal head to Portugal later on Easter Monday bidding to avoid a third successive defeat following their Carabao Cup final loss against Manchester City and their last-eight exit to Sky Bet Championship side Southampton.

The Gunners take on the Portuguese champions on Tuesday evening before the return leg of their quarter-final tie at the Emirates on Wednesday week.

Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya are due to face the media in Lisbon at 18:45 local time (17:45 BST).