Arsenal FC were without Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber for their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Sporting CP on Tuesday night.

Manager Mikel Arteta opted for a heavily rotated lineup, making eight changes from the side that suffered a 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Southampton FC over the weekend.

David Raya returned between the posts, while William Saliba partnered Riccardo Calafiori in defence. In midfield, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice were handed starts, with Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres leading the attack.

There was a boost at the back as Gabriel Magalhaes, who had been forced off against Southampton, recovered in time to feature alongside Saliba.

Speaking before the match, Arteta expressed optimism that both Saka and Timber could return for the upcoming Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth, provided their recovery continues smoothly. He admitted the recent run of injuries has disrupted the squad and stressed the need for key players to return as soon as possible.

Elsewhere, Eberechi Eze remains sidelined with a calf problem, having now missed three consecutive matches. Arteta was unable to give a clear timeline for his return, suggesting the situation remains uncertain.

Both Mikel Merino and Piero Hincapie were also unavailable for the trip to Portugal due to injury, further adding to Arsenal’s selection challenges at a crucial stage of the season.

The Premier League is set to have at least five representatives in next season’s UEFA Champions League after securing a European Performance Spot (EPS) for the second year running.

This extra qualification place was effectively sealed following Arsenal FC’s 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the quarter-final first leg, a result that strengthened England’s position at the top of UEFA’s coefficient rankings.

The EPS system rewards the two best-performing leagues across all European competitions, and English clubs have been consistently dominant this season. All nine participating teams reached the knockout stages, giving the Premier League a significant edge over its rivals.

As a result, finishing fifth in the league will now guarantee a Champions League spot — adding even more intensity to an already tight race. Liverpool FC currently occupy that position, but clubs like Chelsea FC and Newcastle United remain firmly in contention, alongside several others still pushing for a late surge.

There is also a scenario where England could have more than five teams in the competition. If a club such as Aston Villa or Liverpool wins a European trophy and finishes outside the top four, an additional place would be granted.

In an even more extreme outcome, multiple European triumphs by English sides — including a potential Nottingham Forest success in the Europa League — could push the total number of Premier League teams in the Champions League to six or even seven.

With the coefficient advantage secured and several qualification pathways open, English football is on course for another strong presence on Europe’s biggest stage next season.

Antoine Semenyo has heaped praise on Rayan Cherki after Manchester City’s emphatic 4-0 FA Cup victory over Liverpool FC.

Cherki was at the heart of City’s attacking display, producing a clever disguised pass in the build-up to Erling Haaland’s second goal before later turning provider again, this time setting up Semenyo to get on the scoresheet himself.

Speaking after the match, Semenyo highlighted just how influential the French playmaker has become, describing him as a player capable of producing almost anything in possession. He explained that Cherki’s awareness and creativity make attacking runs far easier, as teammates can trust that the right pass will come at the right moment.

The forward also reflected on his first impressions of Cherki in training, admitting he was instantly struck by the midfielder’s technical quality and flair. According to Semenyo, those attributes have quickly translated onto the pitch, giving City an added edge in the final third.