How Arsenal deal with the injury storm to play Real Madrid

Coach Mikel Arteta had to sweat for 4 Arsenal defenders before the important match against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Spaniard saw his two defenders leave the pitch against Fulham as Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber were added to the Gunners' injury list.

Brazilian centre-back Gabriel had to practice leaving the pitch with a hamstring injury before Timber had a knee problem. Ben White was also absent from Arteta's squad and was a big doubt for the match against Real Madrid. In addition, Riccardo Calafiori's ability to play is also uncertain due to a knee injury.

"I was worried, because Gabriel rarely asked to leave the pitch. He felt a hamstring problem and could not continue playing. If Gabriel cannot play against Real Madrid, it will be a big loss for Arsenal" - Arteta admitted his concern about Gabriel's situation.

Before hosting Los Blancos at home at the Emirates, The Gunners will need to beat Everton and avoid other unnecessary injuries. Arteta's personnel options are being severely limited in the context of the Champions League quarter-final taking place in less than a week.

While goalkeeper David Raya could start in goal, Arteta's changes to Fulham will affect Arsenal's squad.

Thomas Partey took on the right-back role to replace Timber and White, while Jakub Kiwior moved to the center of defence alongside William Saliba.

Partey's presence in defence could see Mikel Merino moved to midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. The reserve option is Kieran Tierney to be considered and Myles Lewis-Skelly to start in midfield.

However, if Arteta decides to bring Merino back to his usual position, Leandro Trossard will move up to the 3-man attack. The Spaniard hopes Bukayo Saka can start after recovering from injury, while Gabriel Martinelli will take over the opposite wing.

"Unfortunately, we lost important players in key positions, affecting the whole system. However, this is also a valuable learning experience for me, the coaching team and the players" - Arteta said.