Thomas Partey and Ben White doubts for Arsenal’s crucial tie with Real Madrid

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed Thomas Partey and Ben White are doubts for the upcoming clash against Real Madrid, while Jorginho has been ruled out due to injury.

Arsenal have one foot firmly planted in the Champions League semi-finals after securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Emirates.

However, Arteta is facing concerns over the fitness of key players ahead of the second leg.

Partey was on target for Arsenal against Brentford

While he has already provided positive updates on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the 43-year-old revealed that both Partey and White could be unavailable for the crucial showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “We didn’t expect the issue with Thomas that we had to take him out. He felt something so we didn’t want to take any risks.

“We don’t know [the diagnosis], I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. So they will check him now and see how he is.

“Again, we don’t know [if White will be fit to face Real Madrid]. So he could not be in a condition to be in the squad today and be selected. So we have a few days but we’ll have to wait and see.”

On Saturday, Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in Premier League action.

Midfielder Jorginho was forced off late in the match with what manager Mikel Arteta described as a “significant” chest injury. As a result, he is now expected to miss the upcoming clash against Real Madrid.

Arteta said: “He said he could not breathe properly, so it could be an issue with one of the ribs.

“It’s strange because if he can’t carry on, that means that it is something significant, I think.”