“I have faced both Arsenal and Real Madrid this season but I think Arsenal will knock them out for three reasons and here are the reasons”: Man City coach Pep Guardiola has explained THREE reasons Arsenal will beat Real Madrid home and away
Sol Campbell has backed Arsenal to follow in his footsteps and reach the Champions League final within the next two seasons, but says they must buy.
Speaking to talkSPORT, former Invincible and Champions League finalist Campbell has backed the Gunners to reach the final of Europe’s elite club competition, although he believes it may have to happen next season, after a summer of investment. Arsenal face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of this season’s tournament.
Arsenal face heartbreak in the Premier League title race, as they sit a staggering 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, with just eight games to play. As a result, the Champions League may offer the Gunners’ final chance at silverware, but they must overcome a formidable Madrid side boasting the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.
He said: “I think in the next couple of years, even this year, there’s a possibility of getting to the final. As long as you keep everybody [from this season] and don’t lose anyone, and then you know, implement and buy some really good players who can really move the team on another level and have that… Have that depth in the squad.
“You know competitions breed success, and I think the club should be comfortable with that; getting competition to breed success, I think that’s key really.”
Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. They will then play Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday in their first leg.
Arsenal will not have Gabriel for their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid after he was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The centre-back, who has been one of Arsenal’s most key players this season, suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of Tuesday’s Premier League win over Fulham, which will require surgery.
Arsenal have said the 27-year-old’s aim is “to be ready for the start of next season” in a big blow ahead of a potentially season-defining Champions League tie.
Mikel Arteta’s side take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates on April 8, before the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 16.
Arsenal were boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka against Fulham, but they are facing a potential injury crisis in defence ahead of next week’s first leg against Real Madrid.
Jurrien Timber was also hurt during Tuesday’s game while Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori were already sidelined alongside season-long absentee Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s first-choice striker options, are out for the season too.
Analysis: Gabriel injury a nightmare for Arteta
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
Gabriel’s despondent demeanour as he made his way off the pitch against Fulham told a tale. He knew it was a serious injury and so it has proved. Arsenal’s hamstring curse continues.
He is their third player to have required surgery after tearing the muscle this term, after Bukayo Saka, who has only just returned from a three-month absence, and Kai Havertz, who is out for the season too.
Gabriel’s injury is every bit as big a blow as those losses. The Brazil international is vital to Arteta, his centre-back partnership with William Saliba is statistically the best in the Premier League.
Gabriel has mostly been reliable in terms of his availability during his time at Arsenal but the side’s record with and without him starting underlines his importance.
The timing of his injury is a nightmare for Arteta with Real Madrid around the corner and defenders already missing.
Jurrien Timber was also forced off against Fulham following a knock to his knee, while Ben White missed the game against Fulham with a niggle and Riccardo Calafiori is facing weeks out with a knee injury. Takehiro Tomiyasu’s long-term absence means they are down five defenders in total.
Gabriel is by far the most important of them. An outstanding defender and a deadly goal threat at set-pieces, the 27-year-old has also become a leader too. His warrior mentality, in addition to his many other qualities, will be a huge loss in the battle that lies ahead against Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures
April 5: Everton vs Arsenal – Premier League
April 8: Arsenal vs Real Madrid – Champions League QF first leg
April 12: Arsenal vs Brentford – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
April 16: Real Madrid vs Arsenal – Champions League QF second leg
April 20: Ipswich vs Arsenal – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
April 23: Arsenal vs Crystal – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 3: Arsenal vs Bournemouth – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 11: Liverpool vs Arsenal – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
May 18: Arsenal vs Newcastle – Premier League
May 25: Southampton vs Arsenal – Premier League
