Real Madrid vs. Arsenal selection update: Four doubts for Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti finalizes midfield decision.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Injury Doubts Mount for Gunners as Ancelotti Finalizes Midfield, Arteta faces four uncertain absences, while Ancelotti prepares a bold midfield pairing in hopes of another famous Bernabéu comeback
Real Madrid are preparing for what could be yet another legendary Champions League comeback as they host Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, aiming to overturn a daunting 3-0 deficit from the first leg. But both teams face selection challenges heading into the decisive second leg.
According to Cadena SER, Mikel Arteta may be without up to four key players, as Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Jorginho, and Thomas Partey are all doubts. Timber only made the bench against Brentford at the weekend, still regaining full fitness, while White was left out entirely due to a knock. Meanwhile, The Mirror reports that Jorginho has officially been ruled out after suffering an injury, and although there’s hope for Partey, his availability remains uncertain.
On the Real Madrid side, Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly settled on his starting midfield. With Eduardo Camavinga suspended after a red card in the first leg, and several injuries elsewhere, the Italian manager is expected to start Aurélien Tchouaméni—back from suspension—and Dani Ceballos, who made his return from injury in Madrid’s weekend match against Alavés. Ceballos, notably a former Arsenal player, will be tasked with helping Real Madrid control the tempo in midfield.
Real Madrid Absentees and Tactical Shifts
Los Blancos will be without Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Andriy Lunin due to injuries. As a result, Fede Valverde is likely to shift to right-back, with Luka Modric ready to come off the bench if needed. The front four remains unchanged, with Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé expected to start.
Though Jorginho was not guaranteed to start for Arsenal, his absence removes a valuable voice of experience in the dressing room and limits Arteta’s options off the bench.
Ceballos’ inclusion may appear risky given his lack of recent match rhythm, but as Relevo notes, Real Madrid have shown some of their best football with him on the pitch this season—particularly in high-stakes encounters.
With both teams dealing with key absences, Wednesday night promises to be an emotionally charged and tactically intense battle at the Bernabéu.
