Arsenal XI vs Sporting: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Champions League today

Arsenal could welcome back Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli for tonight’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon.

The trio were each named on the bench for Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday and did not come on.

Rice has been struggling with a broken toe and missed England’s Nations League wins over Greece and the Republic of Ireland earlier this month as a result.

Havertz and Martinelli represented Germany and Brazil, respectively, over the international break, but were not called upon against Forest.

Mikel Arteta may turn to them on Tuesday though as Arsenal head to Sporting looking to bounce back from defeat to Inter Milan in their last Champions League game.

Arsenal are currently sat 12th in the revamped competition and will be desperate to finish in the top eight so they can secure a bye through to the last 16.

If Havertz, Martinelli and Rice are recalled by Arteta, then Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho could miss out.

The trio started the win over Forest, although Jorginho was hooked at half-time for Thomas Partey after picking up a booking midway through the first half.

Arsenal’s injury concerns have eased from earlier this season, when they were without the likes of captain Martin Odegaard.

They will still be without full-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu on Tuesday, though, as they are absent due to knee injuries. Kieran Tierney, who injured his hamstring in the summer, is back and in the squad.

“Everyone who is in the squad is fully fit to start the game,” said Arteta. “We have Kieran Tierney with us after a long injury. It’s great news that he is back, he’s been training with us and he is available to participate.”

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Injured: Tomiyasu (knee), White (knee)

Time and date: 8pm GMT tonight on Tuesday November 26, 2024

Venue: Jose Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon

TV channel: TNT Sports

Referee: Szymon Marciniak

Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Havertz, Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Jesus, Martinelli, Saka, Sterling and Trossard