Arsenal huge team news U-turn confirmed for Real Madrid second leg

Arsenal have been handed a double fitness boost ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday night in somewhat of a U-turn for the club.

It had been expected that the Gunners would be without Thomas Partey and Ben White for the huge clash at the Bernabeu, but it now seems that both first team stars will make the trip to the historic Spanish ground. Partey played the full 90 minutes in the impressive 3-0 win over Real Madrid last week with White coming on off the bench.

Partey picked up a knock in Premier League action against Brentford last weekend, having opened the scoring for the Gunners. The midfielder has to be taken off after 61 minutes with Arteta claiming the player ‘felt something’ when speaking after full time.

Arsenal handed double fitness boost for Real Madrid

The Arsenal manager refused to go into detail but it is now expected that Partey will be recovered in time to face Real Madrid. It’s also good news for White, who missed the draw against Brentford on Saturday.

The full-back was seen training at London Colney on Tuesday having missed out against the Bees due to a small injury niggle noted on Friday. It’s welcome news for an Arsenal side who are still without long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz.

The availability of Partey is a particular boost with the Ghana international starring in the Champions League this season. The midfielder has played in every match during the tournament, except the second leg against PSV Eindhoven, when the Gunners were already 7-1 up.

Thomas Partey praised by Mikel Arteta

Partey was particularly impressive during the 5-1 win over Sporting CP earlier this season and was singled out for praise by Arteta. The Gunners boss said: "I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game so that’s the level he can play, he’s progressing. This year he’s been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a massive player for us."

Partey, alongside Jorginho, is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer. Last week, Fabrizio Romano had suggested that the player could still be offered a new contract by incoming technical director Andrea Berta.

Arteta had been asked about his approach to out of contract stars during the January window. The manager made it clear that such conversations could distract from a Premier League title race at the time.

Arteta outlines Partey and Jorginho Arsenal contract stance

He said: “What I can say is that it’s not what I want, it’s what both those players [Partey and Jorginho] have in their minds as well and what their situations. I don’t want to start to have these conversations now, I want to have these conversations much later because the focus has to be on what we have to do in the season. They can understand the intentions and then we can see what we can do.

“It’s close communication with them to understand as well what their idea is, what they want to do, express as well our intentions and then let’s decide for everybody what is the best option there. But it’s two players that I am very, very happy with. They are such a value in the squad. And I want to keep them as well with the right mind frame, because the most important part of the season is coming now.”

In other news, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe issues apology ahead of Arsenal clash.