Bukayo Saka absence casts doubt over appearance against Sporting

Bukayo Saka has emerged as a major doubt for Arsenal ahead of their decisive UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP, after missing training sessions this week in a fresh injury concern that threatens to derail his season once again.

The England international has struggled to build momentum following a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season, when a persistent hamstring problem ruled him out for more than three months. That same issue now appears to be lingering, with the winger yet to fully reintegrate into the squad at a critical stage of the campaign.

Saka’s absence has been particularly notable given the careful management of his workload in recent weeks.

He was left out of the England squad during the last international window to allow for additional recovery time, returning early to North London in anticipation of featuring in Arsenal’s FA Cup clash against Southampton.

However, he was ultimately not included in the matchday squad as the Gunners slipped to a 2-1 defeat, raising early concerns about his fitness.

Those concerns have only intensified after reports from Sky Sports indicated that Saka did not take part in training as Arsenal began preparations for their European showdown.

His continued absence from group sessions now places serious doubt over his availability for the first leg, dealing a potential blow to Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.

Speaking prior to the Southampton fixture, manager Mikel Arteta had sought to downplay fears surrounding Saka’s condition, expressing confidence in the winger’s ability to deliver during the defining stretch of the season.

“I’m certain of that (he will find his best form).

“I spoke to him, I said: ‘In the end, everybody is going to remember what we’ve done in the last part of the season and in this final push of eight weeks, what we’re going to deliver individually, and that’s where now we can impact.

“What we’ve done in October and November, it’s irrelevant, it’s done. It’s about now and how we prepare ourselves to give the best chance to win what we want.’”