Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has received a significant boost ahead of Tuesday`s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel Merino is fit to train and is consequently expected to feature in the starting lineup.
Merino`s return is particularly welcome news as he missed the recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace for undisclosed reasons. Both he and Ben White, who was also absent last week, trained fully on Monday afternoon. Merino`s anticipated inclusion is crucial as Arteta looks to build a midfield capable of matching Paris Saint-Germain`s technical quality.
However, Arsenal`s ongoing issues with injuries and suspensions persist at the Emirates Stadium. Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg following a foolish late clash with Antonio Rudiger in a previous match. Declan Rice is likely to fill his defensive midfield role, while Jorginho is expected to miss a significant portion of the season`s remainder due to a rib injury.
With these absences, Leandro Trossard is anticipated to lead the attack. This would represent the only change from the team that secured victories against Real Madrid in previous rounds. Arsenal still faces a string of key players unavailable: Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz (both hamstring), and Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu (both knee). There remains a hope that Riccardo Calafiori could recover from his knee issue in time for the second leg, scheduled for next Wednesday in Paris.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the team selection presents a simpler picture. Manager Luis Enrique has the luxury of a fully fit squad. His main tactical decision appears to be the third spot in the attacking trident alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele; he has reportedly opted for Desire Doue ahead of Bradley Barcola.
Beyond the forward line, the rest of the PSG team is largely settled due to the lack of injuries. Since the conclusion of the group phase, only 13 players have started Champions League games for Paris Saint-Germain. This number would have been even lower, at just 12, had Lucas Beraldo not been required to start when Marquinhos was suspended for the 3-1 win against Aston Villa.
Champions League Semifinal Predicted Starting Lineups
David Raya; Jurien Timber, Wlliam Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bakayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, FabianRuiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
