'Pure fire': Arteta driven for Arsenals key week yet Rice doubts persist

Arsenals chances of winning trophies now focus on just two contests after losses to Manchester City in the League Cup final and to Championship outfit Southampton in the FA Cup quarter finals.

Arteta stated that his squad stays driven as they pursue an inaugural Champions League victory and a first Premier League title in 22 years, sitting at the top of the standings with 70 points from 32 matches.

"The goal we are pursuing is tough, demanding, and rough at times. Thats how it should be. You must face it head on," Arteta remarked to journalists on Tuesday.

"We aim to accomplish something in this tournament that the club has never achieved before. That highlights just how tough it is. Its our first time reaching the Champions League quarter finals for three consecutive years.

"To advance further, we certainly need greater drive than anybody else. We are making progress and getting extremely near."

The capital side holds a 1-0 advantage heading into the matchup following a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, which let second placed Manchester City narrow the deficit to six points before their Premier League top of the table clash on Sunday.

"We feel no apprehension. Pure fire, thats the intensity I expect from the team, the supporters, and from me,” Arteta commented.

“We are in April facing a tremendous chance in front of us. Lets seize it. We are committing fully to the effort.”

The Spanish manager stayed reserved about squad updates, giving nothing away regarding midfielder Declan Rice who skipped sessions.

"We need to assess in the morning how several players are doing and choose wisely," Arteta noted.

"I prefer not to discuss Rices current status. Perhaps Bukayo Saka or Jurrien Timber could be back. We will have to observe."