Arsenal may have to go into their crucial UCL quarter-final second-leg clash with reigning European champions Real Madrid without eight first-team players.
Eight players are currently nursing various injuries and may consequently miss the decisive encounter on Wednesday.
The list of injured players includes Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is dealing with a knee issue, while Gabriel Jesus is also out with a knee problem.
Kai Havertz is nursing a hamstring injury, and Riccardo Calafiori’s availability is uncertain due to an unspecified issue.
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In addition to these players, Gabriel Magalhaes is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Ben White is out with a knock.
Thomas Partey, who was taken off during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford, is still being assessed by medical staff, and his fitness for the match remains uncertain.
Thomas Partey and Jorginho both sustained injuries in Arsenal’s draw with Brentford. (Photo credit: Getty Images)The most significant blow, however, is the confirmed absence of Jorginho, who has been ruled out with a chest injury.
The Italian midfielder was part of the Chelsea team that knocked out Real Madrid in the semi-final to beat Manchester City to the Champions League title in 2021.
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His experience in the Champions League will be sorely missed, and Mikel Arteta will have to find alternative solutions to fill the void left by his absence.
The injury crisis will likely leave the manager Mikel Arteta with a difficult task in terms of team selection, and he will have to carefully assess the fitness levels of his players to determine who will be available for the match.
Arsenal’s match against Real Madrid is a crucial one, with the Gunners holding a 3-0 lead from the first leg. A positive result at the Santiago Bernabeu would see them progress to their first Champions League semi-final for the first time in 16 years and could face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta who is well known for his tactical prowess will have to be creative in his team selection and tactics to overcome the absence of these key players and lead Arsenal to victory against Real Madrid.
