Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal Prepare for Sporting CP Amid Injury Crisis

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his squad to use the emotional impact of recent domestic cup exits as motivation ahead of a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP in Lisbon on April 8, 2026.

The Gunners enter the fixture following two consecutive defeats in domestic cup competitions, including a surprising elimination from the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton on April 5, 2026. These results have reduced Arsenal’s potential trophy targets from four to two for the 2025/26 season.

Arteta on Team Mentality

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on April 6, 2026, Arteta addressed the team’s recent form and the need to maintain their identity despite the setbacks.

I have some perspective on how difficult it is, but we don’t have to now. Feel that pain, feel that emotion, and use it to be better and to improve. We were very clear in what happened, the reason why it happened, which in the game two times we didn’t deserve to do that much, but this is football and we get punished for things that are related to our identity and that’s the thing that we need to defend in the strongest possible way because that’s the reason why we are where we are today.

Mikel Arteta

The manager emphasized the importance of perspective as the club seeks a semifinal berth for the second consecutive year after previously overcoming Bayer Leverkusen in the previous round.

Injury Crisis and Selection Dilemmas

Arsenal is facing a significant injury crisis that has left Arteta with several selection dilemmas for the trip to Portugal. Gabriel Magalhães is expected to miss the first leg on April 8 after suffering a knee injury during the match against Southampton on April 5, 2026.

The squad’s availability is further hampered by the following confirmed absences and doubts:

• Confirmed Out: Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino are certainly unavailable.
• Significant Doubts: Leandro Trossard remains a question, though some reports suggest his return is likely for the Sporting CP clash.
• International Concerns: Piero Hincapié is doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.

There are positive signs regarding other key players. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who both withdrew from England duty due to fitness setbacks, were rested on April 5 and are likely to return to the team for the midweek fixture. Jurriën Timber is also appearing on track to return and may feature in the starting lineup in Lisbon.

Opponent Analysis and Match Outlook

Sporting CP enters the tie with a strong home record, having not suffered a defeat on their own soil since August 2025. The Portuguese side reached the quarter-finals after a comeback victory against Bodø/Glimt in the round of 16.

The fixture also carries a personal narrative, as Viktor Gyokeres is set to face his former club. Arteta provided his thoughts on the player and the reasoning behind his signing during the press conference on April 6, 2026.

Following the Champions League clash, Arsenal will return to Premier League action on April 12, 2026, hosting Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium after a four-week hiatus from league play.