Arsenal enters tonight’s Champions League clash with a slight advantage, but also a piece of unexpected good news: Sporting CP will be without a key defender. The Gunners secured a 1-0 victory in Lisbon last week, a narrow lead they’ll fiercely protect on home turf.
Sporting’s right-back, Ivan Fresneda, won’t make the journey to London. The 21-year-old was substituted at halftime during Saturday’s match as a precaution, and despite attempts to regain fitness, manager Rui Borges deemed him not fully ready for the demanding contest.
Borges emphasized the need for every player to be at peak condition for a Champions League knockout stage match. Fresneda’s absence is significant, having made 39 appearances this season and started nearly every Champions League game at right-back.
Interestingly, Fresneda was once a serious Arsenal target. Three years ago, the Gunners even agreed to a £13 million fee with Real Valladolid for the then-18-year-old, beating out competition from Borussia Dortmund.
The young Spaniard ultimately rejected Arsenal’s offer, prioritizing consistent first-team football. He later chose Sporting, even attracting interest from Chelsea before finalizing his move.
Beyond Fresneda, Sporting faces further uncertainty. Defenders Zeno Debast and Joao Simoes traveled with the squad but remain doubtful, adding to the challenges facing Borges as he prepares to face Arsenal.
