The news Arsenal fans were dreading is official. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss the first leg of the Champions League Quarter-Final against Sporting CP tonight, Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
After withdrawing from England duty and sitting out the shock FA Cup defeat to Southampton, the "Starboy" has not traveled to Lisbon. It’s a massive blow for the Gunners, who are desperate to bounce back from a rough patch of domestic form.
1. The Team News: A Mixed Bag for Arteta
The Absentees: Along with Saka, Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with a groin injury and did not travel. Both players are targeting a return for the Premier League clash against Bournemouth this weekend.
The Silver Lining: In better news, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Magalhães (who suffered a knee scare against Southampton) have all been passed fit and are available for selection at the Estádio José Alvalade.
The Replacements: Expect Raheem Sterling or Gabriel Martinelli to shoulder the creative burden on the wings in Saka’s absence.
2. Tactical Analysis: Managing Without the "Starboy"
Creativity Void: Saka is Arsenal’s primary outlet for goals and assists. Without his 1v1 threat on the right, Arsenal may shift to a more central attacking approach through Martin Ødegaard.
The Gyökeres Threat: All eyes will be on Viktor Gyökeres as he faces his former club. The Sporting defense knows him well, but his current form makes him the focal point of the Arsenal attack tonight.
The Mission: A draw in Lisbon would be a solid result, but Arteta will be pushing for a persuasive performance to silence the critics after two consecutive losses.