Arsenal Facing Injury Crisis Ahead of Champions League Showdown at Real Madrid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is grappling with significant injury concerns as his team prepares for a pivotal UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The Gunners hold a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, but the potential absence of key players Ben White, Thomas Partey, and Jorginho could complicate their efforts to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

The injury woes surfaced during Arsenal’s frustrating 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, April 12. Arteta confirmed post-match that right-back Ben White was already ruled out of the Brentford clash due to a knock sustained in training, casting doubt on his availability for the trip to Madrid. “He was not in condition to be in the squad today,” Arteta said of White. “We have a few days, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

The situation worsened during the match as midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho both failed to finish the game. Partey, who opened the scoring in the 69th minute with a well-taken goal, was substituted shortly afterward after reporting discomfort. Arteta remained cautious about the extent of the injury, stating, “He felt something, so we didn’t want to take any risks. I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet, so they will check him now and see how he is.” Early indications suggest Partey’s issue may be precautionary, with some optimism he could recover in time for the Real Madrid clash, but no definitive diagnosis has been confirmed.

Jorginho’s situation appears more concerning. The Italian midfielder was forced off late in the game after a heavy fall, which left him struggling to breathe. Arsenal had already used all their substitutions, resulting in the team finishing the match with 10 men. Arteta described the injury as potentially “significant,” noting, “He said he could not breathe properly, so it might be to do with one of the ribs. It’s strange because Jorgi normally carries on, so that means it’s something significant, I think.” The injury is believed to involve his ribs or chest, and his availability for Wednesday remains highly uncertain.

These setbacks add to an already challenging injury list for Arsenal. The team is reportedly without defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori, as well as forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the Bernabeu trip. The potential absence of both Partey and Jorginho, Arsenal’s two most experienced defensive midfielders, could force Arteta into a tactical reshuffle against a Real Madrid side desperate to overturn the first-leg deficit.

Declan Rice, who played a starring role in the first leg with two stunning free-kicks, is the most likely candidate to drop into a deeper midfield role if both Partey and Jorginho are ruled out. However, this would mean sacrificing Rice’s dynamic ball-carrying ability further forward, potentially weakening Arsenal’s attacking transitions. Other options are limited, with 21-year-old Jack Henry-Francis, yet to make his senior debut, being the only other recognized defensive midfielder in the squad. Alternatively, Arteta could turn to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has occasionally played in midfield, though this would be an unconventional choice for such a high-stakes match.

Despite the injury concerns, Arsenal’s 3-0 advantage provides a strong foundation. The first leg saw the Gunners deliver one of their finest performances under Arteta, dismantling the reigning La Liga champions with clinical efficiency. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have their own challenges, with several key players reportedly unavailable, though manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that midfielder Dani Ceballos is back to full fitness and could feature at the Bernabeu.

Arteta remains focused on the task ahead, acknowledging the difficulty of facing Real Madrid on their home turf. “Champions League nights at the Bernabeu are never a foregone conclusion,” he noted, emphasizing the need for his team to stay sharp despite their lead. The injury situation, however, adds an extra layer of complexity to Arsenal’s preparations.

The Gunners’ medical team will be working overtime to assess White, Partey, and Jorginho in the coming days, with updates expected closer to the match. For now, Arsenal fans face a nervous wait as their team navigates this critical juncture in their season. A place in the Champions League semi-finals is within reach, but Arteta will need to muster all his tactical acumen to overcome the mounting challenges and keep Real Madrid at bay.