Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze are not playing for Arsenal against Sporting CP in the 2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg because both attackers are ruled out due to injury-related fitness issues and have not travelled with the squad. Follow Sporting CP vs Arsenal live with us!
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that neither player was available for selection ahead of the trip to Lisbon, forcing the team to adjust its attacking setup for one of the most important matches of their season.
According to reports, the club has been cautious with their recovery. With both players unavailable, the head coach must rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments to keep Arsenal competitive in the first leg away from home.
How did Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze get injured?
According to multiple team updates ahead of kickoff, Bukayo Saka’s issue is linked to muscle fatigue and a recurring lower-body problem that has forced him to miss training sessions and previous matches, including international duty.
Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze of Arsenal in 2025 (Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The club has been managing his workload carefully after a demanding stretch across domestic and European competitions. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze’s absence is the result of a calf-related injury that flared up after he was forced off during a recent match.
Reports indicate that the midfielder had been dealing with discomfort for several days, and the medical staff ultimately decided he was not fit enough to travel with the squad for this crucial European fixture.
When will Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze return to play?
Bukayo Saka is expected to return in the short term, potentially within the next matchweek, while Eberechi Eze’s recovery timeline remains less certain and will depend on his rehabilitation progress.
For Saka, internal club expectations suggest a possible return for the second leg of the Champions League tie or the following Premier League fixture. Arsenal are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing full recovery over rushed availability.
Eze’s situation is more open-ended. Medical reports indicate that his calf issue requires ongoing monitoring, meaning his return will be determined on a week-by-week basis.
How has Bukayo Saka performed this season?
Bukayo Saka has remained one of Arsenal’s most influential players in the 2025–26 season, combining elite creativity, consistent goal contributions and leadership before his recent injury setback.
He continued to deliver decisive moments in key fixtures, including goals and assists in both domestic and European competition. His influence was particularly evident in the Champions League league phase and knockout progression.
Before being ruled out of the Sporting CP quarterfinal first leg, he had reached another major milestone in his career, recently signing a long-term contract extension and surpassing 300 appearances for the club during the campaign.
How has Eberechi Eze performed this season?
Eberechi Eze has had a strong but interrupted first season at Arsenal, showing high-impact performances in big games while struggling with recent injury setbacks. Despite the disruptions, he has quickly established himself as one of the most creative midfield options in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
His season highlights include decisive attacking contributions in major fixtures, particularly in high-profile matches where the team relied on his ability to break defensive lines and operate between the midfield and attack.
One of his standout moments came in the Champions League round of 16, where he scored in Arsenal’s 2–0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, helping secure progression in Europe. However, his rhythm has been affected by recurring fitness issues.
