By our reporter 14.4.2026
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta said he has “zero fear” as the Gunners tackle Sporting Lisbon in Wednesday’s second leg quarter final of the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal had their confidence shaken last Saturday as Bournemouth slowed down their chase for the Premier League title with a 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium London.
But Arteta believes his team is fired up and would beat visiting Sporting and book their second consecutive Champions League semi-finals for the first time ever. Arsenal hold a 1-0 goal advantage from the first leg.
“I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much,” Arteta said.
“I have zero fear. I had fear when: if we don’t get this done, I don’t know what happens to the club. Now? It’s just purpose, fire, direction.”
Declan Rice is a doubt for Arsenal. He didn’t train with the team on Monday.
Asked what Rice’s injury is, Arteta replied: “We have to wait and see how he is tomorrow. He wasn’t able to train.”
Bukayo Saka will also miss the game. He has not appeared for Arsenal since getting injured on England duty and Arteta hopes he will be back in “days not weeks”.
“It’s something he was carrying for a while. It was an Achilles issue.
“No. It’s progression. Hopefully it’s a matter of days not weeks. It’s about loading more and see where he’s at.”