LONDON — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with fresh injury worries before their important Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Thomas Partey and Jorginho both had to leave the pitch injured during Arsenal`s 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Partey was substituted in the 69th minute shortly after scoring a goal. It seemed to be a muscle problem that forced him to stop playing, but Arteta didn`t specify the exact issue, only mentioning that Partey `felt something.`
Jorginho also came off injured soon after, appearing uncomfortable. Arsenal played with 10 men for the last few minutes of the game and added time.
`He said he couldn`t breathe properly,` Arteta explained about Jorginho, `it might be related to his ribs. It`s unusual because Jorgi usually plays through discomfort, so it suggests it`s something significant.`
Arteta was less clear about Partey`s situation. `He felt something, so we didn`t want to risk making it worse,` he said. `We don`t know yet if he`ll be available for Wednesday. I haven`t spoken to the doctors yet, they will examine him and assess his condition.`
Losing either Partey or Jorginho, especially Partey, would be a big problem for Arsenal as they prepare to play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu with a three-goal advantage. Being without both players would be a much bigger challenge, as they are the main options for the defensive midfield positions. While Declan Rice could move back to a defensive role, it would create another gap in the midfield.
The midfield injuries are not the only concerns. Ben White, who played briefly in the previous game, was absent on Saturday due to a training injury. Arteta commented: `He wasn`t fit enough to be in the squad today, but we have a few days to wait and see.`
Injuries have been a recurring problem for Arsenal this season. Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have both been sidelined for periods, and Gabriel is expected to miss the rest of the season due to injury. Kai Havertz`s availability for the final games is also uncertain.
