Mikel Arteta drops two positive injury updates as Arsenal boss responds to Jude Bellingham

Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update ahead of Arsenal's second-leg Champions League clash against Real Madrid, with the Spanish coach also responding to Jude Bellingham's remarks. The Premier League outfit carry over a remarkable three-goal advantage from the first leg, with two free kicks from Declan Rice and a curling effort from Mikel Merino doing the damage last week in north London.

And ahead of the crunch clash in Madrid, Arteta revealed Arsenal's hopes have been boosted by welcome injury updates over two of the Gunners' stars.

The Gunners chief began his pre-match press conference with news that both Ben White and Thomas Partey will be in the squad for Wednesday's clash in the Spanish capital. White has been riddled with injuries throughout the season, whereas Partey limped off during the weekend win over Brentford.

When quizzed on the duo, Arteta revealed: "The positive one, Ben White managed to train with us. Yeah [Thomas] is available. He felt good after the last few days and he's fine." However, it's been a different story for Jorginho, with Arteta stating: "He is not here," having also picked up a knock in Saturday's clash.

Arteta was also asked about his feelings on Bellingham's pre-match comments, with the England international revealing the Real Madrid dressing room have constantly been speaking about a "remontada" - or "comeback" in English - ahead of the return leg. Responding to this, Arteta replied: "[We have] the same mindset, to win, to be dominant, to be determined, to have the conviction to be better than them and win the game...

"When you have to create a story, you have to be excited about, they have to be really prepared about it. Then it's about insisting and going step by step. A lot of clubs build a history by trying many times, sometimes failing and sometimes being successful.

"Last year we had an experience [in the quarter-finals vs Bayern Munich], but we want to be better this time and be in the semi-finals for only the third time in the history of our football club."

Both previous times came under legendary boss Arsene Wenger, with Arsenal having struggled to leave their mark on the Champions League ever since his departure. When questioned on whether a positive result in Madrid would mark the best achievement in his fledgling managerial career, Arteta added: "I will have to earn the right tomorrow [Wednesday] to do that. On these big stages, it doesn't get any better than this. I think this is a great opportunity to do this [reach the semi-final]."

Kick-off at the Santiago Bernabeu is pencilled in for 8pm BST. Arsenal will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa with a victory on Wednesday.