Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey is a doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid in his latest injury update.
Ben White, Thomas Partey and Jorginho are all doubts for Arsenal’s trip to the Spanish capital on Wednesday, where the North Londoners will be looking to book their spot in the Champions League semi-finals as they take on Real Madrid.
The Gunners claimed a comfortable 3-0 win in last week’s first leg at the Emirates to put themselves in pole position to advance to the next round thanks to a Declan Rice double and a fine Mikel Merino finish.
Mikel Arteta’s side followed that up with a 1-1 stalemate against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, in which both Partey and Jorginho were forced off injured in the second period.
It adds to their already lengthy injury list, with Gabriel Jesus (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Gabriel (thigh), Kai Havertz (thigh), Riccardo Calfiori (knee) and White (unspecified) struggling with their respective concerns.
Arteta Provides Partey, White and Jorginho Injury Update
Speaking to the press following their Gameweek 32 draw against the Bees, Arteta issued the latest on White, who was omitted from the squad despite featuring as a late substitute against Los Blancos in midweek.
“We don’t know [if White will be fit to face Real Madrid]. He could not be in the condition to be in the squad today and be selected. We have a few days, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
The Spaniard also commented on Partey’s early withdrawal: “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.
Italy midfielder Jorginho left the field early too, departing in the 86th minute with a rib injury that left the 33-year-old with breathing problems.
“He said he could not breathe properly, so it could be an issue with one of the ribs,” he said.
“It’s strange because if he can’t carry on, that means that it is something significant, I think.”
In more positive news for Arsenal fans, Partey was reportedly seen conversing with reporters in the mixed zone after Saturday’s match, perhaps suggesting that the Ghanaian’s injury isn’t as serious as what many first thought.
