Arsenal have received a timely lift ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting Lisbon, with Declan Rice and Gabriel both returning to full training at London Colney.

Rice, whose absence was keenly felt during Arsenal’s shock FA Cup exit at Southampton, rejoined the main group in Monday’s session. The midfielder had withdrawn from England duty with a fitness concern, raising fears he could miss the trip to Portugal, but his involvement in training suggests he is in contention to start in Lisbon.

There was further encouragement for Mikel Arteta as Gabriel also took part. The central defender was forced off at St Mary’s with a knee problem, an injury that initially cast doubt over his availability for Europe. His presence on the training pitch will ease concerns over Arsenal’s defensive stability against the Portuguese champions.

Leandro Trossard, who did not travel to the south coast for the FA Cup tie, was another notable participant in the session. The Belgian forward was put through an intensive workout and is expected to be included in the travelling squad, adding creativity and flexibility to Arsenal’s attacking options.

However, Bukayo Saka was a conspicuous absentee. The winger, like Rice, had pulled out of England’s recent friendly against Japan, but unlike his midfield team-mate he did not feature in Monday’s preparations. His fitness will be closely monitored, with Arsenal reluctant to risk one of their most influential players if he is not fully recovered.

Arsenal fly to Portugal later on Easter Monday seeking to halt a damaging run of form. Defeats in the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and in the FA Cup at Southampton have raised questions about the team’s resilience at a critical stage of the season.

The first leg against Sporting offers both a test and an opportunity: a chance to reassert themselves in Europe while managing a demanding schedule on multiple fronts. Arteta is expected to field his strongest available side, balancing the need for a positive result away from home with the physical condition of key players.

The Gunners face Sporting in Lisbon on Tuesday evening, with the return leg at the Emirates Stadium the following week. Arteta and goalkeeper David Raya are scheduled to address the media in Lisbon ahead of the match, where the manager is likely to provide further clarity on the fitness of Rice, Gabriel, Trossard and Saka.