Will Bukayo Saka play tonight for Arsenal vs Sporting in Champions League quarter-final first leg?
(Courtesy : Getty)
Saka was withdrawn from the England squad during the March international break.
Arsenal have recently lost both the Carabao Cup final and have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton. To make matters worse, the Gunners will be missing their star player when they play in the quarter-final first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2025-26.
The Gunners will still be looking to return to winning ways when they face Sporting after their elimination from the FA Cup.
Also Read: Sporting CP vs Arsenal prediction, odds, where to watch, time
Will Bukayo Saka play tonight vs Sporting?
Bukayo Saka, Arsenal star, won’t be going with the team for tonigh’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Sporting CP, confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta.
During his pre-match press conference on Monday, Arteta disclosed the information, saying that Bukayo Saka and defender Jurrien Timber have not yet travelled and are will not feature. He stated:
“They’re having trouble. They’re not ready yet. Let’s see. Hopefully, they’re going to be ready for the weekend if everything goes well.”
Bukayo Saka also missed Saturday’s FA Cup loss to Southampton after being withdrawn from England duties during the March international break due to a slight knock. He was also not present at Arsenal’s recent training sessions.
For the Gunners, who greatly depend on Bukayo Saka’s inventiveness and goal threat on the right wing, the absence is a serious blow. Arteta needs to reorganise his offence, possibly using players like Leandro Trossard, Martinelli or Noni Madueke.
Will Saka play tonight?
No, he is injured.
What time will the game start?
At 12:30 am IST.
Where is the first leg of this quarter-final clash?
At Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal, home of Sporting Clube de Portugal.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.