Arsenal’s Champions League dreams hang by a thread as a fresh wave of injuries threatens to derail their preparations for Tuesday’s quarterfinal second leg against Real Madrid. The Gunners, who stunned the Spanish giants 3-0 at the Emirates last week, now face a mounting crisis with key players sidelined and fitness doubts clouding their trip to the Bernabéu.
Partey’s late scare: “Felt something” in Brentford draw
Midfield anchor Thomas Partey, whose dominant display in the first leg stifled Real’s attack, limped off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford after scoring the opener. Manager Mikel Arteta revealed:
“He felt something, so we didn’t take risks. We’ll assess him in the coming days.”
Partey’s potential absence would leave Arsenal without their tactical linchpin, forcing Declan Rice to drop deeper and disrupting the balance that neutralized Jude Bellingham and co.
Defensive nightmare: Gabriel and Havertz out, White doubtful
The injury blows don’t stop there. First-choice center-back Gabriel Magalhães (undisclosed) and striker Kai Havertz (knock) are confirmed absentees, stripping Arsenal of defensive solidity and attacking versatility. To compound issues, right-back Ben White remains a major doubt after missing the Brentford clash. Arteta admitted:
“I don’t know if he’ll be ready. We have to wait.”
White’s potential absence would force Jakub Kiwior or Takehiro Tomiyasu into an unfamiliar right-back role against Vinícius Júnior’s blistering pace—a mismatch Real will ruthlessly exploit.
Martinelli’s close call: “Could’ve broken my leg”
Winger Gabriel Martinelli narrowly avoided injury after a reckless scissor tackle from Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard, which he labeled “nasty” and “a red card offense.” While fit to play, the incident underscores the physical toll of Arsenal’s packed schedule.
“If my foot was on the floor, he could’ve broken my leg,” Martinelli fumed post-match.
How Arsenal adapts
With Gabriel out, William Saliba must marshal a makeshift backline likely featuring Rob Holding or Cedric Soares. Havertz’s absence pushes Leandro Trossard into a false-nine role, reliant on Bukayo Saka and Martinelli to stretch Real’s defense.
Arteta’s biggest headache is midfield. If Partey misses out, Jorginho’s lack of mobility could be targeted by Real’s press. Expect Emile Smith Rowe to slot into advanced midfield, freeing Rice to shield the defense.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):
Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Holding, Zinchenko; Ødegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Arsenal’s 3-0 lead offers little comfort against a Real side renowned for European comebacks. Without key starters, the Gunners must channel their Emirates resilience to survive the Bernabéu cauldron. As Arteta warned: “We need everyone at their best—no excuses.”