Arteta: We're trying to do something that hasn't been done in the club's 140-year history

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sought to inject further confidence into his squad ahead of a crucial week, which includes a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon, followed by a potentially title-deciding Premier League clash away at Manchester City. The Spaniard reminded everyone that in the club's entire history, no team has reached the Champions League quarter-finals for three consecutive seasons. Arteta added that he feels no fear, only beautiful opportunities that the Londoners will strive to seize. However, he once again avoided specifics regarding team news and the condition of injured players.

'We need to wait until tomorrow morning to see how some of the lads are and make the right decision. Rice couldn't train today; we have to wait and see how he is tomorrow. I don't want to say anything else.

Declan has played many games, and that's part of the issue. But he will try his best to be with us tomorrow night. That's for sure.'

When asked if either Saka or Timber would be able to return, Arteta again responded evasively: 'Maybe one of them. We'll see.

With Saka, it's something he's been dealing with for a while – an Achilles problem. There are no complications. Hopefully, it's a matter of days or weeks. It's about increasing his load and seeing where he's at.'

Arteta then focused on what his team has achieved so far to be in this position in April.

'What we are trying to achieve is difficult, challenging, sometimes uneven. It has to be that way. We are trying to do something in this competition that has not been done in the club's history. For 140 years. This is the first time we are in the Champions League quarter-finals three years in a row. The first time in our history.

We greatly value where we are. We want to be in the semi-finals. We are in a very strong position in the Premier League, after 22 years without achieving this. So we know how difficult it is. It's good that it's difficult. We have overcome many obstacles that haven't been overcome in 140 years. If we want to take the next step, we certainly need to have more ambition than anyone else. We are doing it, and we are very, very close.

It's April, and an incredible opportunity lies ahead of us. Let's face it and make it happen. I'm putting everything into this.

Now we take success for granted. I suppose that in the next 20 years, this club will take for granted that in April, they will be fighting for the title. That's great.

I'm fired up. I'm burning. I dream so much. I've done so much to get us into this position. Because I know what this club used to be. Now I see only beauty, opportunity. I want those who have been on this journey with us to achieve it. They deserve it; it's incredible. I have no fear whatsoever. I only have a goal, fire, direction.'

Arteta assured that he is not currently thinking about the crucial away game against Manchester City this weekend. 'The first task is to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals. This is a big game. There's no room for thoughts about the weekend.

Sporting is a really good team, and they showed that in the first leg. That's why we know tomorrow will be a really tough match.

They are a team that tries to be dominant through pressing and ball control. We will apply what's necessary to win the game,' Arteta stated at his emotional press conference.