Arteta on team fitness, 'pure fire' and Sporting

TL;DR

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is uncertain about team fitness ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting, with key players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka being assessed. Arteta emphasizes a strong, fearless approach for the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by Sporting.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting at Emirates (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Arteta was vague on team news, adding that "a few of the boys" will be assessed Wednesday morning to see if they can play.
Declan Rice, who did not train on Tuesday, is one of those but Arteta would not give details on the reason he is sidelined. He said: "He has played a lot of games, and that is part of the issue. He is going to try to do everything he possibly can to be with us tomorrow evening. That's for sure."
On Jurrien Timber or Bukayo Saka returning: "Maybe one of them, so let's see."
Saka had "an Achilles issue" which "was something he had been carrying for a while" before the League Cup final. Arteta added: "Hopefully, it's a matter of days and not weeks."
Arteta said Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth "was a big disappointment and a hard one to take." He added: "What we are trying to achieve is difficult, challenging, and bumpy at times. You have to confront it."
On his message to the supporters going to the second-leg tie: "No fear, pure fire. That's it. Pure fire is what I want to see from the players on the pitch. Go for it, because the opportunity is unbelievable."
He said he has "zero fear" for the remainder of the season because he is "so driven" to get the job done for the fans. He added: "It's purpose, fire, and conviction that we're going to do it."
He wants his players "to do better" in counter-attacks because they are not showing "that shift in momentum" which helps to change games and results.
On opponents Sporting: "I understand the quality they have and the ways they can hurt you. They are a really good side, and they proved that in the first leg. That is why we know tomorrow is going to be a really tough match."

Listen to live commentary of Arsenal vs Sporting on BBC Radio 5 Live from 20:00 BST on Wednesday.

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[BBC]

Q&A

What is the latest update on Declan Rice's fitness for the match against Sporting?

Declan Rice did not train on Tuesday and will be assessed on Wednesday morning to determine if he can play.

How is Bukayo Saka's injury affecting his availability for the Champions League match?

Bukayo Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue, but Arteta hopes he will return in a matter of days rather than weeks.

What did Mikel Arteta say about the challenge posed by Sporting in the upcoming match?

Arteta acknowledged Sporting's quality and stated that they proved to be a tough opponent in the first leg, indicating that the second leg will also be challenging.