Bad news keeps pouring in, Arsenal's championship dream is at risk of collapse.

Coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed Bukayo Saka is struggling with an Achilles tendon injury, while leaving open the possibility of several key players participating in the crucial rematch against Sporting CP.

Arsenal is entering a critical phase of the season with mounting concerns. Following an unexpected defeat against Bournemouth, The Gunners continue to receive unfavorable news regarding the squad situation. In the latest training session at London Colney, fans did not see the presence of five key players in the lineup: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori.

The greatest concern is focused on Bukayo Saka, who has been absent for the last five matches. Coach Mikel Arteta finally spoke up to confirm the condition of his prized pupil: “It's a problem he has been dealing with for some time, an Achilles tendon injury.”

Although the situation appears serious as Saka missed both the national team training camp and recent Arsenal matches, Arteta still tries to maintain an optimistic attitude: “It's a progression, hopefully it will only take a few days, not weeks. However, he needs to see how his body reacts as training intensity increases.”

Currently, the possibility of the 24-year-old star playing in the Champions League quarter-final second leg early Thursday morning is extremely low.

Not only Saka, the "sweeper" Declan Rice is also causing the coaching staff great anxiety by missing Tuesday afternoon's training. Arteta shared that Rice has been overworked and the team needs to wait until just before the match to make a final decision.

Additionally, captain Martin Odegaard, despite having only a minor injury, is likely to be absent as well. In defense, the situation is not optimistic as both top wing defenders, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, are yet to return to normal training. The simultaneous absence of 4-5 starting players for several weeks is directly eroding Arsenal's strength.

Arsenal holds the advantage of a 1-0 lead from the first leg thanks to Kai Havertz's goal, but the challenge against Sporting CP in the second leg will be severe. Arteta has called on his players to give their utmost effort, even to play through pain: “We need them back immediately to steer the season back on track. The whole team is prepared for any scenario the opponent brings.”

Despite experiencing a poor run of form with three defeats in the last four matches, the Spanish strategist still believes in the support of 60,000 spectators at Emirates. The clash with Sporting is not only a ticket to the Champions League semi-finals but also a test of the character of an Arsenal severely depleted in personnel during the most intense phase of the season.