Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal must use frustration as fuel in Champions League against Sporting

The Gunners reached Lisbon following their initial consecutive defeats of the campaign, including a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the League Cup final and a 2-1 surprise defeat against Championship outfit Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

"We need to keep some perspective on the challenges we have overcome so far," Arteta explained to journalists on Monday. "Feel the pain, use it to improve.

"We know exactly what occurred and the reasons behind it. This is football."

Now down to just two competitions from four, Arteta emphasised that composed analysis is essential over hasty reactions, as his squad prepares to bounce back in Europe.

"You must stay focused and grasp the reasons it unfolded that way," he added. "Once you get that, improve, and that is our task."

Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Jurrien Timber are sidelined for the opening match, having stayed behind in England due to injuries, though Arteta remains optimistic about their potential availability by the weekend.

Positive updates came from other areas, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Leandro Trossard all participating in training sessions.

Arsenal confront a Sporting team that has not lost at home in European fixtures this term, as the Portuguese title holders aim to gain an advantage in the two-part encounter.

Sporting midfielder Maxi Araujo dismissed ideas that Arsenal hold the edge ahead of Tuesday's clash.

"There are no favourites in this play-off," he stated to the press. "They are in good form, and so are we."

Sporting coach Rui Borges noted that Arsenal's recent string of losses holds no significance.

"No, I do not put stock in that, and top teams always strive for victory," Borges remarked to reporters. "They will be even more determined, eager to demonstrate their team and personal strengths, which I believe will heighten the challenge for us."

The return fixture takes place on April 15th at the Emirates Stadium.

Prior to that, Arsenal resume their Premier League title challenge, hosting Bournemouth on Saturday as the current leaders.