JUST IN: Mikel Arteta confirms £56M Arsenal duo are ready to face Real Madrid after recovering from injuries as THREE stars are now out of tonight’s game
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on three first-team stars ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
The Gunners secured an impressive 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last week.
Declan Rice made the headlines, scoring with two world-class free-kicks. Mikel Merino added gloss to the performance with the third goal, putting the club in an advantageous position.
Despite this, they can’t take things for granted and need to turn up with a strong performance at the Bernabeu to progress to the Champions League semi-final for the first time since 2009
Ahead of the game, Arteta has provided good news on the injury front.
Ben White was absent from the matchday squad against Brentford in the Premier League last weekend. He has managed to train in the lead-up and could play a part tonight.
Thomas Partey picked up a niggle against the Bees, but Arteta has confirmed that he is fine to face Madrid. The Ghanaian was exceptional in the reverse fixture at home.
However, Jorginho won’t be involved after suffering a chest injury on Saturday.
Arteta said: “The positive one is Ben White, he managed to train with us today, so he will be in the squad.
“[Thomas Partey] is available, he had a niggle in the game, that’s why he had to come off, but he felt good after the last few days, so he’s fine.
“And Jorgi unfortunately, is not here after the incident over the weekend, he hasn’t recovered so our thoughts are with him.”
White has had limited playing time since his return from knee surgery. Jurrien Timber has been exceptional at right-back, and Arteta has had no reason to change personnel.
Timber was brilliant in handling Vinicius Junior at the Emirates. The Dutchman is set to continue in the XI.
White, valued at £43 million by Transfermarkt, could be introduced during the closing stages of the game.
Meanwhile, Partey produced one of his best performances of the campaign last week. The holding midfielder completed 94 percent of his passes against Los Blancos.
The £13 million-rated ace controlled proceedings with his obvious experience of playing Madrid with Atletico. The Gunners need him to replicate the showing in tonight’s encounter.
The return of the £56 million duo is a massive boost for Arsenal ahead of their biggest challenge of the season. They will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final if they progress.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
