Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Arsenal Face Injury Concerns Ahead of Real Madrid Champions League Clash
Arsenal is dealing with a fresh injury setback as defender Ben White was excluded from the squad for Saturday’s Premier League match against Brentford. This absence raises concerns ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg versus Real Madrid. Jurrien Timber, recently returning from injury himself, was only fit enough for a place on the bench, while Thomas Partey started at right-back in a makeshift defensive arrangement.
White’s Omission and Arteta’s Explanation
Ben White, a key player for Arsenal, was a surprise absence from Mikel Arteta’s 20-man matchday squad. The Arsenal manager revealed that the 27-year-old defender reported feeling discomfort during Friday’s training session and was therefore deemed unfit to participate as a precautionary measure.
The exact nature of White’s injury remains unclear, and it is not yet known if it is related to the previous knee issue that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, encompassing 25 games.
Timber’s Bench Role and Partey’s Position
Adding to Arsenal’s defensive worries, Jurrien Timber, who has recently recovered from his own injury, was only deemed fit enough to be named among the substitutes for the Brentford fixture.
This situation compelled Arteta to utilise midfielder Thomas Partey in the right-back position against Brentford. This improvised solution may present challenges when facing the formidable attacking threat of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in the upcoming Madrid game.
Champions League Implications
Mikel Arteta now faces an anxious period awaiting updates on the fitness of both White and Timber. Their availability is crucial for Wednesday’s pivotal trip to the Santiago Bernabeu. Arsenal aims to safeguard their three-goal advantage and secure a coveted place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta’s Pre-Match Comments
Speaking prior to Saturday’sgame, Arteta addressed the injury situation, stating: ‘Ben White was unavailable for the squad as he experienced a recurrence of discomfort following yesterday’s training. This limits our options, particularly as Jurrien was also not prepared to commence the match.’ He further added, ‘Other players have accumulated significant playing time, and it’s also an opportunity for deserving players to contribute and support the team.’