Two games, two defeats, two trophies slip out of Arsenal's grasp. If they are to grab Champions League and/or Premier League glory they must bounce back this week.
Mikel Arteta called on his side to show what they are made of after the FA Cup loss at Southampton followed a Carabao Cup final defeat to Man City - but his selection options are significantly limited amid an injury crisis.
Eleven Arsenal players ruled themselves out of international duty during the March break. That led to some jibes about the Gunners saving their energies for club football. But Arteta's selection at Southampton and a subsequent open training session on Monday suggested the Arsenal boss has serious problems on his hands.
With Sporting away in the first leg of a Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday and then Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in a tricky Premier League encounter on Saturday, Arteta may need to delve deep into his squad to find solutions amid a season-defining run of games.
Goalkeeper
Arteta was criticised for selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Carabao Cup final, in which Arsenal's back-up keeper made a big error for Man City's opener. But he doubled down on backing Kepa by picking him again at Southampton, where Arsenal's defence was poor and shipped two goals to go out of the FA Cup. First-choice David Raya was an unused sub in both games and will surely come back in against Sporting and Bournemouth.
Who starts vs Sporting? The smart money will be on Raya.
Right-back
Ben White made an error for Southampton's first goal on Saturday. The England international only came back into the starting XI after Jurrien Timber's groin injury. It is still unclear when Timber will return - he was not in the squad at St Mary's and was missing from open training on Monday morning. Arteta has no obvious alternative to White right now.
Who starts vs Sporting? It looks like White will get the nod again.
Centre-back
"When a player is asking to be substituted, it's never good news," said Arteta after Gabriel limped out of the tie with Southampton, immediately casting doubt on his availability to face Sporting. Gabriel had ice on his left knee, having missed Brazil duty with pain in his right knee, but was back in full training with his team-mates on Monday.
His regular centre-back partner William Saliba replaced Gabriel but had missed France duty himself. Is he able to play a full 90? Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are the other options in that position.
Who starts vs Sporting? Arsenal's first-choice pair of Saliba and Gabriel look like they will be fit to resume their partnership, but Calafiori may be otherwise required in Portugal.
Left-back
Piero Hincapie had established himself as Arsenal's first-choice left-back but suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Ecuador during the international break, wasn't involved at Southampton and has not returned to training. Myles Lewis-Skelly played on Saturday, with Calafiori the other possible fit option.
Who starts vs Sporting? It looks like Calafiori or Lewis-Skelly will take up the spot.
Midfield
Arsenal fans will be hoping to see Declan Rice back on the pitch on Wednesday, after he was back on the grass alongside his team-mates ahead of the trip to Portugal. Arteta suggested Rice and Bukayo Saka had been at "70 per cent" and "on the edge" when explaining why they pulled out of England duty and they subsequently weren't involved at St Mary's.
Martin Zubimendi came on as a sub at Southampton having experienced knee pain with Spain, while Martin Odegaard made his first start since January with Christian Norgaard fielded too.
Eberechi Eze is still unavailable due to a calf injury, while Mikel Merino is in a race to feature again this season after his foot surgery in February.
Who starts vs Sporting? Arteta may have to risk Rice, while captain Odegaard and Zubimendi are likely required to go again.
Wingers
Saka's involvement in the big games this week remains to be seen but looks increasingly unlikely after he was absent from Arsenal's last training session ahead of their flight. With that in mind, the return of Leandro Trossard was a boost following his hip issue. SIxteen-year-old Max Dowman and Gabriel Martinelli played the full 90 at Southampton.
Noni Madueke avoided a bad knee injury while with England and came off the bench at the weekend.
Who starts vs Sporting? Can Madueke start in the absence of Saka? Surely Dowman won't be asked to start again after a full shift at Southampton - but Martinelli might get another run-out on the left, with Trossard returning from injury.
Up front
Viktor Gyokeres made a goalscoring contribution from the bench at Southampton and will be itching to face his former club Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday. Kai Havertz, who played an attacking midfield role at Southampton, is another option at No 9, as is Gabriel Jesus, although he has largely had a bit-part role in Premier League and Champions League games of late.
Who starts vs Sporting? Back in Portugal, Gyokeres is surely nailed on for a start against his old side. That would give Havertz a reduced workload, with the German potentially coming back in against Bournemouth at the weekend.
tazbkosuz
0
Accept blame again if Arsenal should exit at another quarterfinal
Yitabelnsy
0
I don’t understand how you can say that we only score from set plays. Tell me when we last scored from a set piece.
he's right,whether it was long time back or not most of the goals we scored were from set pieces...not from direct productivity...Odegaard is too central and lacking flexibility towardsthe goal and that's what arsenalis lacking...he's just a liability...I would rather have a one touch Haverts than Odegaard whose central playing and lack of flexibility contribute to midfield pressure...that Zubimendi can't handle
Gun1
1
It's probably a truncated imbecile who can think that Arsenal won't win the Premier league this season.
resabekpst
1
Even with all their players fit Arteta pattern is rubbish only depending on set pieces to score but can't defend set pieces at their post. Allowing Kiwior, Partey and Xhaka to leave after a good season was a bad decision, Zubimendi can't control midfield or dictate play that's the area where Partey thrives. Las las Arsenal problem no dey finish
I don’t understand how you can say that we only score from set plays. Tell me when we last scored from a set piece.
resabekpst
1
so have u guys given up on champions league when first leg isn't played yet also from south east
No that’s our bonus, and what silverware will your lot raise this season. 40 games a season team, now that’s embarrassing. Be honest.!!!!
Luzbcln
2
if Arteta put Havertz in the midfield it means we have to lose the game.
dendesnicky
0
Whichever way you want to twist it or criticize the players and their management, this 2026 League TROPHY belongs to Arsenal. I remain the most consistent and DIE HARD Arsenal fan from Southeast of Nigeria. SAVE THIS POST.
so have u guys given up on champions league when first leg isn't played yet also from south east
resabekpst
2
Whichever way you want to twist it or criticize the players and their management, this 2026 League TROPHY belongs to Arsenal. I remain the most consistent and DIE HARD Arsenal fan from Southeast of Nigeria. SAVE THIS POST.
I am with you mate, let the haters have their childish bit of fun. We will be the ones celebrating as EPL champions this season.
resabekpst
2
Keep on calling us for we are still in with a great chance of winning one or two of our main targets. The Premier League has been our priority since day one. The Champions League is our second target, we are in an excellent position to succeed in them. I personally believe that we shall win the EPL. And European football really suits our style, and over two legs we can make the final.So enjoy your hatred of us but we may well be the ones laughing in the end.
I personally couldn’t agree more mate.
cizabdlnot
6
Whichever way you want to twist it or criticize the players and their management, this 2026 League TROPHY belongs to Arsenal. I remain the most consistent and DIE HARD Arsenal fan from Southeast of Nigeria. SAVE THIS POST.
tiddeinsz
1
Arsenal is not a reliable team
Look at our European record of the past 2 seasons mate.
tiddeinsz
5
Keep on calling us for we are still in with a great chance of winning one or two of our main targets. The Premier League has been our priority since day one. The Champions League is our second target, we are in an excellent position to succeed in them. I personally believe that we shall win the EPL. And European football really suits our style, and over two legs we can make the final.So enjoy your hatred of us but we may well be the ones laughing in the end.
zihadiklsz
0
Arsenal is not a reliable team
fenalpsu
0
Arsenal are neither creating enough scoring opportunities nor penetrating into their opposition team that's reason they don't get penalties like others
masakluy
3
arteta most go
fenalpsu
1
Even with all their players fit Arteta pattern is rubbish only depending on set pieces to score but can't defend set pieces at their post. Allowing Kiwior, Partey and Xhaka to leave after a good season was a bad decision, Zubimendi can't control midfield or dictate play that's the area where Partey thrives. Las las Arsenal problem no dey finish
Buoimnrst
1
ok do move
iam_everywhere2
0
Lips moving again. Do it in silence bro. Arsenal is playing nonsense these days