Akahi News learnt that Arsenal will head into the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP missing two of their pivotal players: Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber. The timing could not be worse for the North London club.

Both stars were sidelined during Arsenal’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Southampton last weekend, sparking concerns over their readiness for the vital European clash. Those concerns have now become reality.

Arteta confirms worst fears

Akahi News gathered that speaking ahead of the encounter, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that neither Saka nor Timber will recover in time to feature in Tuesday’s game. Their absence is a significant blow for Arsenal as they prepare for a tough away fixture in Lisbon.

The team will now be expected to rely on other squad options to step up in their bid for a positive result. But stepping up is easier said than done when two key cogs in the machine are missing.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for Arsenal fans. In an injury boost for Arteta, the key trio of Declan Rice, Gabriel, and Leandro Trossard are fit for the game in Portugal. That is not nothing. But is it enough?

‘Hopefully ready for the weekend’

On Saka and Timber, Arteta said: “They haven’t travelled. They’re not ready yet. Hopefully, they’re going to be ready for the weekend if everything goes well.”

That is a cautious optimism. But in football, as in life, hope is not a strategy.

“That’s a massive boost because in recent days we’ve lost so many important players and that’s something that we need to change immediately,” the Arsenal boss added.

Akahi News had earlier reported that Arsenal’s season is at a crossroads. The Premier League title race is slipping. The FA Cup is gone. The Champions League may be their last real chance at silverware. And now, without Saka and Timber, that chance looks slimmer.

Here is the question every Arsenal fan in Nigeria and around the world is asking: Can this squad survive Lisbon without their two stars? Or will Sporting CP take full advantage of Arsenal’s injury curse?

The first leg kicks off on Tuesday night. No Saka. No Timber. Just faith in the remaining eleven. For Arsenal, that faith will be tested to its breaking point.

Fact summary box:
– Competition: UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg
– Opponent: Sporting CP (away in Lisbon)
– Injured players ruled out: Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber
– When injuries occurred: During 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Southampton (last weekend)
– Manager’s confirmation: Mikel Arteta (neither player travelled)
– Possible return: Hopeful for weekend fixture if recovery goes well
– Injury boost: Declan Rice, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard fit to play
– Context: Arsenal’s season at risk; Champions League a major priority
– Match day: Tuesday