Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is facing a potential race against time to feature for the Gunners against Real Madrid in midweek.
The Ghanaian international has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s team so far this season, having managed to stave off any absences, many of which he faced in previous campaigns.
There is a fresh concern, though, as Thomas Partey picked up an injury problem against Brentford, coming as a potential blow to the side.
It remains to be seen whether the midfielder will be fit enough to feature in Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but there may be some enforced changes if he isn’t.
With Jorginho also an injury doubt, there are few midfield options available to the side.
So with that said, here’s a look at three Arsenal players who could replace Thomas Partey against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could replace Thomas Partey
One star who could feature in midfield is Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has played plenty of big matches there.
The Ukrainian international starred there for Arsenal against Brentford, looking tidy in possession when called upon, while Zinchenko also impressed against PSV Eindhoven in the previous round of the Champions League.
There may be some questions surrounding his defensive abilities, but a reshuffle of the midfield may allow Declan Rice to sit in the deeper role.
Given the three-goal lead, the ability to keep possession at the Bernabeu under pressure will be key and Zinchenko could facilitate that.
Myles Lewis-Skelly can feature in midfield
Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed in a breakout campaign, with his calm and cool persona just as important as the quality he possesses with the ball.
While the 18-year-old has featured at left-back largely, he is more than capable of playing in midfield, having done so in the Arsenal academy.
More than capable of keeping possession and winning duels, Lewis-Skelly is able to play in the base of midfield.
That would require a creative solution at left-back, though, with Riccardo Calafiori a doubt through injury, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney are the other options.
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Mikel Merino could return to a midfield position
It seems unlikely, but Mikel Merino could well make a return to the midfield unit to take on Real Madrid in midweek.
The Spaniard has been featuring at centre-forward since injuries have followed in the frontline, despite it not being his natural position.
If Merino tucks back into the midfield role, then it may call for a return to centre-forward for Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri or Raheem Sterling in the side.
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