Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a worrying injury update on Thomas Partey and Jorginho, just days before their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.
Both midfielders suffered setbacks during the 1-1 draw with Brentford on Saturday, joining Ben White on the list of potential absentees for Wednesday’s trip to the Santiago Bernabéu, where the Gunners will aim to defend their 3-0 first-leg advantage.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said the injury to Partey came as a surprise:
“We didn’t expect the issue with Thomas that we had to take him out.”
Pressed for more detail on Partey’s condition, he added:
“Something. We don’t know [if he’ll be fit for Real Madrid]. I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. They will check him now and see how he is.”
Arteta also confirmed that Jorginho had been struggling with a rib issue, forcing his early withdrawal:
“It looks like it. I don’t exactly know, but yeah, the problem is breathing, so he could not carry on.”
With three key players now doubts, Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested as they prepare for one of their most significant European nights in recent memory.