Thomas Partey Is Honest Before Arsenal’s Quarterfinal Matchup: “I’m Beginning to Think Madrid Might Beat Us Because of Our Injuries”
Ahead of the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Real Madrid, midfielder Thomas Partey gave an open and grim assessment, acknowledging that the team’s confidence has been damaged by a growing injury crisis.
Partey acknowledged the psychological toll of losing important players just days before a match with such big stakes during a pre-match press conference. In the return leg at the Emirates, Arsenal hoped to capitalise on home advantage after holding Madrid to a tense stalemate in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, that optimism has suffered a setback.
“Given our recent injury issues, I’m beginning to believe Madrid might defeat us,” Partey remarked. It’s not about abandoning faith—we remain optimistic. However, it is challenging when key players are eliminated prior to a match of this magnitude.
Partey did not list all of the injured players, but rumours have it that Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Magalhães, and Bukayo Saka are all questionable after suffering knocks during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Brentford. Their possible absence raises serious concerns, particularly when playing a team with as much experience as Real Madrid.
“These players have the ability to alter games,” Partey added. When playing a team like Real Madrid, you need to be at your best tactically, intellectually, and physically. We understand the difficulty, but we will give it our all.
In contrast, Real Madrid enters the match with a roster that is almost entirely healthy and a history that includes five Champions League championships in the last ten years. Many now consider the Spanish powerhouses to be the favourites to advance because Arsenal is shorthanded.
Partey highlighted the squad’s solidarity and resolve in the face of the defeats, implying that even if the odds may have changed, the battle is far from finished. It is expected to be a fierce, emotional, and potentially season-defining duel at the Emirates.
This second leg is destined to be a Champions League classic in one way or another.
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