Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed Thomas Partey and Ben White could be doubts against Real Madrid and confirmed an injury for Jorginho.
- Partey and White doubts for Real Madrid clash
- Arteta reveals a significant injury for Jorginho
- Set to take on Real Madrid on Wednesday
WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal have already put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after the Gunners grabbed a 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Emirates. However, Arteta has a few concerns regarding players’ fitness for the second leg. Having already provided positive updates on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the Basque tactician has now claimed that Partey and White could be doubtful for the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “We didn’t expect the issue with Thomas that we had to take him out. He felt something so we didn’t want to take any risks.
“We don’t know [the diagnosis], I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. So they will check him now and see how he is.
“Again, we don’t know [if White will be fit to face Real Madrid]. So he could not be in a condition to be in the squad today and be selected. So we have a few days but we’ll have to wait and see.
On Saturday, Arsenal drew 1-1 with Brentford in Premier League action and Gunners midfielder Jorginho had to be taken off late in the clash due to a ‘significant’ injury to his chest, as per Arteta, and he is now set to miss the Real Madrid clash as well.
Arteta said: “He said he could not breathe properly, so it could be an issue with one of the ribs. It’s strange because if he can’t carry on, that means that it is something significant, I think.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The Gunners are now preparing their squad for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final as they look to get their hands on their first European trophy in history. Arsenal and Real Madrid will face off this Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu.
