Arsenal are facing another injury blow only days before their vital Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.Mikel Arteta's squad will head to Spain with a 3-0 advantage following a stunning performance at the Emirates last week, where they thrashed the defending European champions.
A win at the Santiago Bernabéu would propel Arsenal into the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2006, marking a significant milestone for the club.However, their preparations have taken a hit with the news that Jorginho will miss Wednesday’s match due to injury. The experienced Italian midfielder, 33, picked up a suspected rib issue during the final moments of the 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford and had to leave the pitch, leaving the team with ten men for the remainder of the game.
Injuries have plagued Arteta’s squad throughout the season, contributing to their 13-point gap behind league leaders Liverpool with only six matches left to play. Nevertheless, Arsenal have built a strong reputation in Europe under Arteta’s leadership.
There is a silver lining, as Thomas Partey has returned to training after a knock he sustained during the Brentford game. The 31-year-old, who filled in at right-back, was substituted after reporting discomfort. His potential availability could be a key boost ahead of the trip to Madrid.
Arteta is expected to share more details about the squad in his press conference on Tuesday. With the Premier League title now a long shot, the Champions League represents Arsenal’s best hope of lifting silverware this season.