Arsenal Star Ruled OUT of Real Madrid Clash — Shock Injury Rocks Arteta’s Plans!

Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Real Madrid, with midfielder Jorginho officially ruled out of the game. The experienced Italian is suffering from a chest injury that will keep him sidelined for the coming weeks, casting doubt over his availability for several key fixtures in Arsenal’s season run-in.

Jorginho’s absence comes at a crucial moment for Mikel Arteta’s side as they prepare to defend a 3-0 first-leg advantage in Madrid. The 32-year-old has been a calming presence in midfield throughout the campaign, providing valuable experience, tactical discipline, and control in high-pressure games. His absence leaves Arteta with one less experienced option in a match where composure and game management will be vital.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Jorginho of Arsenal looks on during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

According to reports, the injury is not believed to be season-ending, which offers a glimmer of hope for Arsenal fans. The club is said to be cautiously optimistic that Jorginho can return before the end of the season, depending on how his recovery progresses over the next few weeks.

Still, losing Jorginho for any period is a setback. The midfielder has become an important rotational option for Arteta, particularly in European fixtures where his ability to dictate tempo and control possession helps Arsenal manage tough opponents. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, has been widely praised since joining from Chelsea, and his absence will be felt in the dressing room as well.

Arteta now faces a decision over who steps in to fill the gap. Declan Rice and Thomas Partey are expected to start in midfield against Real Madrid, with Martin Ødegaard offering creativity in the more advanced role. However, with Partey only recently returning from injury himself and Rice managing a heavy workload this season, depth could become a concern.

Younger midfielders like Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri may see increased involvement in upcoming domestic matches if Arteta chooses to rotate his senior stars ahead of bigger games. The likes of Kai Havertz, who is nearing a return from injury, could also be crucial in helping balance the midfield workload in the coming weeks.

Arsenal remain focused on finishing the season strong, with a Premier League title still within reach and a potential Champions League semi-final on the horizon. But injuries at this point in the campaign are always tricky to manage. The loss of Jorginho, even temporarily, is far from ideal as Arteta tries to keep his squad fresh, motivated, and firing on all cylinders.

The hope for Arsenal is that Jorginho’s absence is short-term and that he can return in time to play a role in what could be a historic end to the season. For now, though, the Gunners will need to find solutions without him, starting with one of their biggest tests yet — holding off Real Madrid in the iconic Santiago Bernabéu.