BREAKING NEWS: Heartbreaking and disappointing news has emerged from the Arsenal camp just hours before their crucial clash with Real Madrid. Three important first-team players have failed their fitness tests during yesterday’s training session and have officially been ruled out of today’s game. Wishing them a speedy recovery — come back stronger, champions.

Mikel Arteta has shared the latest on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and the rest of the Arsenal squad ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.

The build-up to this crucial encounter has been eventful for the Gunners, featuring both positive and negative developments.

One of the biggest boosts for the team is the return of Bukayo Saka, who recently made his comeback after being sidelined for three months. He featured against Fulham last week and then played 45 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Everton.

Arteta has been managing his return cautiously, gradually increasing his playing time. Now, the manager believes Saka is in a good position to start against Real Madrid. “He’s in a much better place,” Arteta said, adding that Saka has responded well to the recent training and match load.

However, Arsenal have also suffered setbacks. Gabriel Magalhães sustained a serious hamstring injury during the Fulham match. The defender required surgery and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Despite this blow, there’s good news elsewhere in the defense, as both Ben White and Jurrien Timber have recovered from minor fitness concerns. Ben White had to be substituted at halftime during the Everton game, but Arteta confirmed he finished the match without issues and trained afterward.

Arteta expressed optimism, stating that there are no new injury concerns ahead of Tuesday’s clash. “We have another training session this afternoon, but everyone seems available,” he said.

In terms of long-term absences, Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori, who picked up a knee injury while on international duty. Although he is expected to return before the end of the season, others won’t be back so soon. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have both undergone surgery — Havertz for a hamstring issue and Jesus for a knee problem — and are not expected to return until pre-season.

Takehiro Tomiyasu remains sidelined as well. The Japan international recently had his second surgery in 12 months, with Arsenal confirming that he is unlikely to return before the end of 2025.

Despite these challenges, Arteta remains hopeful as key players recover, with Saka’s availability providing a major boost ahead of one of the biggest games of the season.