Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed.
Saka, 24, has been managing a minor knock sustained during the recent Manchester City match and was withdrawn from England duty as a precaution.
He also missed the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton and has not participated in open training ahead of the trip to Estádio José Alvalade. Arteta described the absence as precautionary rather than long-term, adding that Saka could return for the weekend’s Premier League fixture “if everything goes well.”
In Saka’s absence, Noni Madueke is the most likely direct replacement on the right wing. Signed as Arsenal’s primary backup for that role, Madueke brings pace, direct dribbling, and the ability to take on defenders. He has shown flashes of quality in recent cameos when Saka was rested or substituted, including impactful appearances against Southampton.