Carlo Ancelotti confirms huge Real Madrid injury return before Arsenal second leg

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has issued a massive injury update before Arsenal travel to the Bernabeu for their Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Mikel Arteta's side head overseas with a three-goal advantage from the first leg at Emirates Stadium where Declan Rice fired in two free-kicks before Mikel Merino netted another late on. Momentum was not maintained ahead of that game however, with the Gunners held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Saturday.

One positive was Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Merino all getting adequate rest despite the trio being introduced off the bench for the final stages. Declan Rice meanwhile, was taken off in 75th minute after assisting Thomas Partey's goal that was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa.

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Rice playing the majority of the game was a huge boost after he picked up a knock against Madrid.

During the game against the Bees, two fresh and potentially major issues emerged with both Jorginho and Partey forced off due to injury.

"Yeah, he [Partey] felt something so we didn't want to take any risks," Arteta said. "I haven't spoken to the doctors yet. So they will check him now and see how he is. Again, we don't know [about White]. So he could not be in condition to be in the squad today and be selected. So we have a few days but we'll have to wait and see."

Asked if Jorginho's problem was with his ribs, Arteta added: "It looked like it, so I don't exactly know. But yeah, the problem is breathing, so I'd say he could not carry on."

As for Los Blancos, Federico Valverde has seemingly overcome the problem he picked up while former Arsenal star Dani Ceballos has returned to training.

Asked if he can play against Alaves in La Liga and then Arsenal just a few days later, Ancelotti said: "He's available for tomorrow and for Arsenal." Madrid will have 24 hours less to prepare for the second leg after La Liga rejected their request to bring the game forward which left Ancelotti far from pleased.

"I don't understand why we play tomorrow," he said in a press conference on Saturday. "But we have more than 72 hours to rest so we can't complain."

More Madrid injury issues could yet emerge following their game tomorrow and therefore join the aforementioned absentees alongside Eduardo Camavinga who is suspended.