Arsenal travel to the Spanish capital to take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Gunners have a three-goal lead heading to the historic stadium, having beaten Los Blancos 3-0 in the first leg, courtesy of a brace from Declan Rice and a strike from Mikel Merino.
Mikel Arteta’s men should have enough to prevent the Spanish giants from completing a remarkable comeback, although Carlo Ancelotti’s side are notorious for producing majestic moments in Europe’s elite competition.
The North Londoners will be without the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the trip to Madrid, while one more star has now been ruled out in a damaging blow for Arteta.
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Thomas Partey and Jorginho injury updates revealed ahead of Real Madrid v Arsenal
Thomas Partey and Jorginho were both forced off during Arsenal’s draw with Brentford on Saturday afternoon, with the two midfielders suffering injuries against the Bees.
The issue with Partey was unclear, while Jorginho appeared to suffer a blow to the chest, with the latter’s departure from the field of play leaving the Gunners with ten men.
According to the Mirror, Jorginho will definitely not feature in the second-leg against Real Madrid, although Arsenal are hopeful that the setback for the Italian isn’t season-ending.
The former Chelsea man has undergone X-rays and checks, with the issue expected to rule him our for at least a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Partey is being assessed ahead of the Champions League showdown, and the Gunners hope that the Ghanaian will be fit enough to start at the Bernabeu.
Partey is expected to leave Arsenal on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, as is Jorginho, who has reportedly agreed a pre-contract with Flamengo.
Thomas Partey will start alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield for Arsenal against Real Madrid
If passed fit, which the reports seem to suggest is likely, Partey will start in Arsenal’s most frequently used midfield against Real Madrid.
The former Atletico Madrid man has formed an effective trio alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard, with the three players building a nice balance between them.
Rice has licence to break forward into the box with late runs from midfield, while doing the defensive work with his relentless energy off the ball.
Meanwhile, Partey sits at the base of the trio, helping to build play with his press resistance and smart passing in between the lines, as well as being tasked with preventing opposition transitions.
The creative burden is on Odegaard, who progresses the ball and brings the forwards into the game, while also leading the press for the Gunners.
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