Arsenal travels to the Santiago Bernabeu for one of the biggest nights of the season, and travels in the second round of the Champions League quarterfinals against Real Madrid.
Courtesy of Declan Rice’s two magical free-kicks, there’s a 3-0 advantage from the Emirates’ first leg, and the gunners are in a strong position, but they know better than underestimating the European pedigree of the Los Blancos.
However, amid accumulation, concerns have been raised about the fitness of major midfielder Thomas Parte, who set out during Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Partey gave a solid performance, starting by David Raya and scored in the team’s only goal finish after a quick counterattack carried over by Declan Rice.
His alternative is using such a critical fixture, especially a few days ahead, just after the net raises the alarm bell.
Charles Watts: Thomas Party’s absence will be a “big blow” for Arsenal
According to Arsenal expert Charles Watts, there’s not much concern about whether the injury will affect him and playing Madrid, but his absence would be a “huge blow” for the gunner.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts said:
“From my understanding, and it’s that from a very early age, it was a precautionary measure at first and there’s no much concern that he’ll have to do with him playing Real Madrid mid-week.
“Thomas Parte would definitely play Real Madrid if he was healthy, so if he was out, it would be a huge blow to Arsenal – the way he was playing on his first leg.
“But yes, my understanding of why Thomas Party left and the very first prognosis is that he feels a little worried and doesn’t want to take the chance.”
Partey’s potential absence is a major blow to Mikel Arteta. The 31-year-old contributed to Arsenal’s dominant first leg performance. In that match he completed 94% of his passes (61/65) and contributed to a total XG+XA of 0.56, and was a constant defensive presence with six recovery, four duels and four defensive actions. (fotmob)
He followed with another impressive exhibit against Brentford. His ability to link control and play in the midfield was extremely important in Arsenal’s European run.
However, the future of the club’s part-timers remains uncertain, and previous reports say many clubs are interested in signing Ghanaian midfielders.
As a gunner who aims to make history in the Champions League, party availability can be the difference between progress and disappointment.
Arsenal fans hope he will be handed over in time for midfield to be anchored in Madrid again.