Sporting CP star has already humiliated Mikel Arteta but he may actually miss Arsenal clash

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Arsenal are preparing for another difficult away trip in the Champions League as Sporting CP await.

Mikel Arteta’s side have to do better than they did last time out in the competition as Arsenal lost 1-0 to Inter Milan. 

The Gunners’ frailties in attack were on show at the San Siro, which is something Pep Guardiola has warned Arteta about ahead of Sporting.

After taking over from Ruben Amorim, Joao Pereira will hope to continue the Portuguese champions’ form in the Champions League, emphasising the task that awaits Arsenal. 

Pedro Goncalves embarrassed Arsenal in 2023

It was only during the 2022/23 season that the two sides last met competitively, as Arsenal were knocked out of the Europa League in the Round of 16 by Amorim’s squad. 

In an eventful second leg at the Emirates, Sporting came from behind to beat the Gunners on penalties, a game that was dominated by something other than the result.

There was a sense of control in North London after Granit Xhaka gave the hosts the lead however, that was quickly flipped as Pedro Goncalves scored an outrageous goal from 46 yards.

Goncalves was the talk of Europe after his heroics that humiliated both Aaron Ramsdale and Arteta, with his goal that evening being one of 20 he scored that season. 

The winger, known in Lisbon as Pote, has been one of the most influential players at Sporting, contributing to an eye-watering 138 goals in four years. 

For the embarrassment he caused at the Emirates to his overall form, Pote is not a player Arteta will want to see anytime soon and the Spaniard might just be in luck.

Goncalves a doubt to play Arsenal

Goncalves recorded an assist against Manchester City last time out in the Champions League, showing his danger once more against Premier League opposition.

There is a problem for Sporting ahead of Tuesday night’s clash, however, as the 26-year-old has been out of action for two weeks due to a muscle injury. 

• READ MORE: Sporting CP vs Arsenal: How to watch, live stream details, injury news and prediction

Therefore, Goncalves is a doubt to play Arsenal, taking an incredibly talented Sporting forward out of contention to threaten Arteta’s back four.

That being said, threat is still very much there as Viktor Gyokeres and co will be present, something the Gunners are more than wary of. 

David Raya shared Arsenal’s plan to keep Gyokeres quiet, which is easier said than done regarding the Swedish talisman.