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Declan Rice has handed Arsenal a significant injury boost for the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.
The England international, who was absent for his side’s shock FA Cup demise at Southampton, joined his team-mates in training at the club’s London Colney headquarters on Monday before travelling with the squad.
Defender Gabriel, unable to continue at St Mary’s with a knee injury on Saturday night, also participated in training in another encouraging development for Mikel Arteta’s side, who replied: “Yes,” when asked if he would be available for the clash.
Leandro Trossard, who did not make the journey to the south coast, similarly travelled to Portugal after he was put through his paces at London Colney and is in contention, like Rice.
Declan Rice (right) is back in contention for Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
However, Bukayo Saka, who alongside Rice pulled out of England’s friendly against Japan last week, was not involved, with Jurrien Timber also absent from the flying pack.
“They haven’t travelled in yet,” Arteta said.
“Let’s see, hopefully they’re going to be ready for the weekend, if everything goes well.
“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.”
Arsenal head to Portugal later on Easter Monday bidding to avoid a third successive defeat following their Carabao Cup final loss against Manchester City and their last-eight exit to Sky Bet Championship side Southampton.
The Gunners take on the Portuguese champions on Tuesday evening before the return leg of their quarter-final tie at the Emirates on Wednesday week.