Arsenal Dealt Major Injury Blow Ahead of PSG Clash as Arteta Confirms Player’s Absence

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Gunners will be without two key midfielders as they gear up for a massive UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain. Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey will miss the fixture — but for very different reasons.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta shared the unfortunate update on Jorginho’s condition following a recent injury scare. “For Jorginho, I think unfortunately it will be a few weeks,” Arteta said. “I hope so [that he’ll be back before the end of the season], but I’m not certain, so we have to see how he evolves in the next few days. I would say a few weeks.”

He added: “The doctor was quite cautious still about talking about any dates, so let’s see. The good news is that he’s improving, he’s feeling much better. It was quite a scary situation and he’s in a good place now.”

Jorginho’s absence leaves a significant void in midfield, especially given the Italian’s calm presence and experience in big European nights. Having been one of Arsenal’s most reliable passers and a key figure in controlling tempo, his injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.

But the injury list isn’t the only problem for Arteta to juggle. Thomas Partey, who has recently returned to form and fitness after a series of setbacks, will also be sidelined — though not due to injury. The Ghanaian midfielder picked up a yellow card in the second leg of Arsenal’s dramatic quarter-final win over Real Madrid, which triggered a one-match suspension for accumulated bookings in the Champions League.

This means Arsenal will be without two of their most experienced central midfielders when they face Kylian Mbappé and co. at the Parc des Princes, adding further pressure on the likes of Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and young stars like Ethan Nwaneri to step up on the big stage.

GIRONA, SPAIN – JANUARY 29: Jorginho of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on January 29, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The double blow comes at a crucial juncture in Arsenal’s season. The team has been in terrific form in Europe, having knocked out Real Madrid in the quarter-finals with an emphatic 3-0 home win followed by a 2-1 triumph in the Spanish capital. But PSG represent an entirely different challenge, especially on their home turf.

Arteta will be forced to reshuffle his midfield options and find the right balance between experience, composure, and intensity. The tactical tweak he makes could define how the Gunners fare in the first leg.

With Jorginho out due to injury and Partey suspended, Arteta must now rely on the depth of his squad and the mentality his side has built all season. It’s another test of Arsenal’s character and title credentials — and it’s one they’ll have to pass without two of their most influential midfield generals.