Real Madrid may have just received an unexpected boost ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal. According to the latest Livescore reports, three of Arsenal’s key players are in serious doubt due to injuries—potentially turning the tide in Madrid’s favor at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Arsenal’s Injury Crisis: Three Key Players in Doubt
Ben White ruled out of weekend fixture
Arsenal’s troubles started during their 1-1 Premier League draw with Brentford last weekend. Right before kick-off, Ben White was removed from the squad due to a training injury. Mikel Arteta, when questioned, revealed:
“Ben felt something during the last training session. We’re not sure when he’ll return.”
White has been a crucial part of Arsenal’s defensive setup, and his absence could create significant gaps in dealing with Real’s pacey attackers like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo.
Jorginho suffers respiratory issue mid-game
If White’s absence was worrying, the next incident was downright alarming. Midfielder Jorginho had to be substituted midway through the Brentford match due to breathing difficulties.
“He couldn’t breathe normally. It might be a rib issue. Jorginho rarely leaves the pitch, so this is serious,” Arteta admitted.
Jorginho’s composure, experience, and ability to dictate tempo would have been vital against Real Madrid’s midfield trio of Kroos, Valverde, and Camavinga.
Thomas Partey’s return cut short again
Adding to Arteta’s headache is Thomas Partey, who had only recently returned from a long-term injury. The Ghanaian midfielder signaled discomfort and was taken off as a precaution.
“He felt something. We couldn’t take the risk,” Arteta explained.
His dynamism and physicality were supposed to be Arsenal’s counter to Real Madrid’s relentless pressing in midfield. Now, even that is in jeopardy.
How Real Madrid Can Capitalize on This
Full squad available and home advantage
While Arsenal’s squad is being held together by tape and prayers, Real Madrid have no significant injury concerns ahead of the second leg. The entire first-team squad trained normally on Monday, with Carlo Ancelotti having the luxury of choosing from a full-strength lineup.
The match will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid haven’t lost a Champions League knockout game in over two years. With their roaring home support and tactical discipline, this could tilt the balance.
Key players rested for battle
Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham were all partially rested over the weekend in La Liga to ensure they’re at peak condition for the Champions League clash. Ancelotti’s rotation policy reflects how seriously Real are taking this fixture, and now with Arsenal’s depleted roster, the odds just improved dramatically.
According to Livescore, Real Madrid’s Champions League form at home is near perfect—winning 9 out of their last 10.
More Arsenal Woes: Additional Fitness Concerns
Saka and Rice not fully fit
Though both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are expected to play, Arteta confirmed they have been managing minor issues. While their participation isn’t ruled out, it’s unlikely either is at 100%.
Saka’s pace and crossing could be affected, while Rice’s physical dominance may be compromised—two key tools Arsenal needs to survive the Bernabéu.
Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for the season
Perhaps the biggest long-term blow is the absence of Gabriel Magalhães. The Brazilian center-back underwent surgery for a hamstring injury and is out for the rest of the season.
He was crucial in Arsenal’s aerial battles and man-marking schemes, especially in set pieces—something Real Madrid excels at. His absence leaves a gap that Arsenal’s backup defenders may struggle to fill.
Arteta’s Tactical Puzzle Without His Core Midfield
What options remain?
Without Partey, Jorginho, and possibly White, Arteta may be forced to deploy makeshift midfield combinations or rely on younger, less experienced players like Charlie Patino or Mohamed Elneny, who haven’t featured prominently this season.
Against Real Madrid’s structured, high-pressure system, any weakness in midfield will be ruthlessly exploited.
“The absence of rhythm and familiarity in midfield could be the difference,” noted one expert on Livescore soccer.
Arsenal’s Mentality: Fighting Despite the Odds
Despite the mounting injuries, Arteta refuses to wave the white flag.
“We’ll wait for the medical reports, but regardless of who’s available, we’ll go to Madrid with belief and commitment,” the Arsenal manager emphasized in his press conference.
The Gunners still have quality—Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus—but whether they can survive 90 minutes at the Bernabéu without their core structure remains to be seen.
Champions League Quarterfinal Schedule (CET)
-
April 16, 02:00 – Dortmund vs Barcelona
-
April 16, 02:00 – Aston Villa vs PSG
-
April 17, 02:00 – Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
-
April 17, 02:00 – Real Madrid vs Arsenal
This match, broadcast worldwide and tracked live on Livescore, could determine who joins the final four of the UEFA Champions League 2025.
Conclusion: Madrid Holds the Cards As Arsenal Stumbles
The second leg of the Real Madrid vs Arsenal quarter-final is shaping up to be a pivotal match—and based on current squad conditions, Real Madrid has every reason to feel confident.
While Arsenal has the heart, their midfield and defensive absences may leave them exposed at the Bernabéu. And in the Champions League, any weakness is fatal—especially against the most decorated club in the competition’s history.
Stay tuned with Livescore soccer for real-time coverage, injury updates, and post-match analysis from one of the most anticipated clashes in European football.