Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a welcome boost to the Gunners’ squad ahead of their Champions League encounter with Sporting CP, confirming that Declan Rice and Kieran Tierney are both fit and available for selection.
Rice has been struggling with a toe injury in recent weeks, while Tierney has been sidelined with a hamstring problem. However, Arteta revealed on Monday that both players have recovered and are ready to participate in Tuesday’s match.
“Everybody in the squad is fully fit and available to start the game,” Arteta told reporters. “We have Kieran Tierney after a long injury, it’s great news that he’s back. He’s been training with the team and he’s at the level to participate.”
Tierney’s return to fitness is particularly timely, given his importance to the Arsenal squad. The left-back has been out of action since the Community Shield win over Manchester City in August, and his return will provide Arteta with a welcome selection headache.
Rice, meanwhile, is a key player in the Arsenal midfield and his availability will be a major boost to the team as they look to secure a positive result against Sporting CP.
Arsenal travel to Portugal on Tuesday evening, before returning to Premier League action against West Ham on Saturday.
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