Mikel Arteta issues Ben White and Thomas Partey injury update before Real Madrid clash

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Arsenal are set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Arguably the biggest game in the North London club’s recent history, the pressure is on Mikel Arteta’s team to deliver European silverware after falling 13 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.

Real Madrid were demolished 3-0 by Arsenal in the first leg at the Emirates, meaning the Gunners merely have to prevent a remarkable comeback to secure progression into the last four.

Arteta will be without Gabriel Magalhaes for the trip to the Spanish capital, while long-term absentees Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined.

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Mikel Arteta issues injury update ahead of Real Madrid v Arsenal

Aside from the long-term absentees, Arsenal have few fresh injury issues to contend with for the clash with the Spanish giants.

Jorginho will miss the game after sustaining a chest issue against Brentford, while Thomas Partey and Ben White were both said to be undergoing late fitness tests.

Partey limped off against the Bees, while White missed the match altogether.

However, Arteta confirmed that both players have travelled with the squad to Madrid and are in contention to play.

“Ben White trained today so he will be in the squad ,” the Arsenal boss said.

“Yeah, he [Partey] is available. He had a little niggle during the game, that’s why he had to come off but he felt good in the last few days so that’s fine.

“Jorgi, unfortunately, is not here after the incident on the weekend, he has not recovered. Our thoughts are with him.”

Thomas Partey could be crucial for Arsenal against Real Madrid

In a game of such magnitude, Arsenal need players who can cool the temperature of the occasion with subtle touches under pressure in the middle of the park.

This is Partey’s strongest attribute, with the Ghanaian exceptional at evading the opponent’s press and progressing the ball.

Real Madrid are likely to get at Arsenal early on and try to cultivate a hostile atmosphere inside the Bernabeu by pressing quickly.

Partey’s ability to deal with this will be crucial to cooling the hostility and getting the Gunners through the initial periods.

If Arsenal can get through the opening 20 minutes without conceding, they’ll be in a very strong position to see out what is ultimately a weakened side.