Arsenal’s Injury Crisis Ahead of Champions League Showdown with Real Madrid
Arsenal fans were riding high after a stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. But now, that momentum is in serious jeopardy. With the decisive return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu looming, Mikel Arteta has dropped a bombshell: three key players — Thomas Partey, Ben White, and Jorginho — are all injury doubts for the clash. It’s the kind of news that turns excitement into anxiety overnight.
Arteta confirmed the triple blow following a gritty 1-1 draw against Brentford, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Thomas Partey was forced off after feeling discomfort during the match, and although the details remain unclear, Arteta didn’t sound confident. "He felt something, so we didn’t want to take any risks," the Arsenal boss said. No one really knows the extent yet — not even the medical staff, according to him — but it’s enough to make fans nervous.
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Then there’s Jorginho. What looked like a routine game took a sudden turn when the midfielder told the bench he was struggling to breathe. Arteta suggested the issue could be rib-related and described it as "significant," which is never the kind of language you want to hear before a trip to the Bernabéu.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Ben White didn’t even feature against Brentford after picking up a knock in training. Arteta admitted White felt something after Friday’s session and wasn’t fit to be included in the squad. That forced Partey to slot into defence — a move that may now prove unsustainable with his own status uncertain. Add to that the fact that Jurrien Timber still isn’t fully ready, and Arsenal’s backline suddenly looks very vulnerable.
It’s a nightmare scenario brewing for the Gunners. One week you’re riding the high of a dominant first-leg performance, and the next you’re scrambling to put together a fit starting XI. The timing couldn’t be more brutal. Arteta will need to make some huge decisions in the coming days, and fans are left holding their breath.
Meanwhile, over in Madrid, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti had better news to share. Dani Ceballos, a former Arsenal loanee, is back to full fitness and available for the second leg. It adds even more spice to the rematch — especially since he’s been one of Madrid’s key contributors this season.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday. Arsenal still hold a commanding lead, but Real Madrid at the Bernabéu is never a casual affair — and without Partey, White, and Jorginho, the Gunners may find themselves under pressure from the first whistle. The margin for error is razor-thin. One slip, and all the hard work from the first leg could unravel. The tension is real, and Arsenal fans are bracing for a nerve-wracking night in Spain.
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