{"id":1006,"date":"2026-04-07T18:26:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=1006"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:26:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:26:26","slug":"saka-rice-timber-latest-arsenal-injury-news-and-possible-return-dates-for-sporting-clash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/?p=1006","title":{"rendered":"Saka, Rice, Timber &#8211; Latest Arsenal injury news and possible return dates for Sporting clash"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_32b220\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">Arsenal face a huge couple of weeks in their season and Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on his squad ahead of Tuesday&#8217;s game against Sporting CP<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Byline_byline-container__K_Owl\" data-testid=\"byline\"><span class=\"Byline_byline-content-wrapper__Imque\" data-testid=\"byline-content\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"Byline_author-badge-date-wrapper__Q7jj1\">\n<p><span class=\"\" data-testid=\"byline-publishedDate\">21:33, 06 Apr 2026<\/span><span class=\"ArticleTimestamp_updated-date__7qD4Q ArticleTimestamp_updated-date-with-published__iFKpF\" data-testid=\"byline-updatedDate\">Updated 11:35, 07 Apr 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"33723947\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bukayo Saka of Arsenal looks on\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33723947.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33723947.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33723947.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33723947.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_Arsenal-v-Manchester-City-Carabao-Cup-Final.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is nearing a return from injury\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is nearing a return from injury<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal have received mixed news on the injury front with Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber to miss Tuesday&#8217;s game against Sporting CP, but Declan Rice is fit to play. The Gunners face a defining few weeks in their season with a two-legged Champions League quarter-final and a league fixture against AFC Bournemouth in between.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">After the second leg against Sporting next Wednesday, they travel to title rivals Manchester City in a potential title decider. Mikel Arteta&#8217;s side are in need of a boost after disappointing defeats in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup in recent weeks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The return of key midfielder Rice is a welcome boost for Arsenal&#8217;s manager as is the news that Gabriel and Leandro Trossard are also in contention to play in Portugal. Meanwhile, Saka and Timber could return this weekend against the Cherries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There are still several key players missing, but the injury situation is beginning to ease for Arteta&#8217;s team. Below is the latest Arsenal injury news and potential return dates&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!<\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AFCFootball.London#\" rel=\"nofollow\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"> <\/strong><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"><u>Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Bukayo Saka<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Saka is being managed for the season-defining games, but is not quite ready for Tuesday night. He could, however, be back for the weekend against Bournemouth.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">What Arteta has said: <\/strong>&#8220;They (Saka and Declan Rice) haven&#8217;t travelled in yet, let&#8217;s see, hopefully they&#8217;re going to be ready for the weekend, if everything goes well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;That&#8217;s a massive boost because in recent days we&#8217;ve lost so many important players and that&#8217;s something that we need to change immediately.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Possible return date: <\/strong>Bournemouth (H) &#8211; April 11.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Declan Rice<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arteta recently confirmed that Rice has been managing issues for a while, but with no obvious muscular injury present, he is set to return to the fold on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Return date: <\/strong>Sporting CP (A) &#8211; April 7.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Jurrien Timber<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Timber has been struggling with injury for the past three weeks, but did look to be in contention to face Southampton. However, he was not included in the squad for the FA Cup clash, with attention now on a return at the weekend ahead of the second leg.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Possible return date: <\/strong>Bournemouth (H) &#8211; April 11.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Gabriel Magalhaes<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Gabriel was pointing to his knee when receiving treatment from Arsenal&#8217;s physios against Southampton. He was subsequently taken off in the 72nd minute with Saliba on as his replacement. However, he is set to return against Sporting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Return date: <\/strong>Sporting CP (A) &#8211; April 7.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Leandro Trossard<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Trossard returned early from Belgium duty and was not in the squad against Southampton. However, Arteta has confirmed he is fit to face Sporting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Return date: <\/strong>Sporting CP (A) &#8211; April 7.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">God bless you<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">A calf problem kept Eze out of the Carabao Cup final and England duty, with Arteta unsure of when he could return.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">What Arteta has said: <\/strong>&#8220;With Ebbs, I cannot put a finger there because I don&#8217;t know because he&#8217;s a special character now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Mikel Merino<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Merino has missed the last few months after undergoing foot surgery. He is recovering well and was spotted in a protective boot at the Carabao Cup final with the aim of playing again this season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Possible return date: <\/strong>May.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_0389af\">Piero Hincapie<\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Hincapie played for Ecuador in the two-week domestic break but hobbled off during one of their games, with Arteta confirming he does indeed have an issue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">What Arteta has said: <\/strong>&#8220;Yes, it was (a serious injury).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Possible return date: <\/strong>N\/A.<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Watch Sporting CP vs Arsenal for free<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-disclaimer__dG5ST\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateDisclaimer_affiliate-text__8nmDa\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.football.london\/article33697816.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Prime-Champions-Leaguejfif.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>\u00a38.99<\/p>\n<p>\u00a30<\/p>\n<p>Amazon<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/primevideo-eu.pxf.io\/c\/344386\/1978462\/20021?subId1=FootballLondon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Get Amazon Prime here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals where they face <!-- -->Sporting CP on April 7<!-- -->. <!-- -->Fans can watch the game for free with an Amazon Prime subscription or 30-day trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arsenal face a huge couple of weeks in their season and Mikel Arteta has provided<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1007,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1006","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1006","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1006"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1006\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1007"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disport.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}