Published: 13:49, 6 April 2026 | Updated: 13:49, 6 April 2026

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their injury crisis with Declan Rice returning to training ahead of their Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon.

Rice was one of a number of Gunners players to pull out of international duty over the last fortnight, and missed his side's FA Cup defeat by Southampton alongside some of his team-mates.

William Saliba, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard all featured after injury scares in recent weeks, while Gabriel limped off. The Brazilian, though, is understood to have trained on Monday.

Absent, however, were Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie. All four players remain doubts for the game against Sporting in Portugal on Tuesday.

Saka and Rice had both initially joined up with England in the break, but swiftly withdrew from the squad with discomfort. Whilst Saka may not feature on Tuesday, Rice could play a part.

It could see the £105million midfielder join up with Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard in midfield as the Gunners look to progress in one of the...