Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta receives a significant boost ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night, as midfielder Mikel Merino is deemed fit enough to train, likely confirming his place in the starting lineup.
Merino was absent from the recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace for undisclosed reasons, but like fellow returnee Ben White, he participated fully in Monday`s open training session. The 28-year-old`s fitness means he is highly expected to start, crucial for Arteta`s plan to field a midfield capable of matching PSG`s technical prowess with physical strength.
Arsenal`s ongoing struggles with injuries and suspensions show no signs of easing at the Emirates Stadium. Thomas Partey`s suspension for the first leg, a consequence of a late foul against Antonio Rudiger, means Declan Rice is likely to shift to the defensive midfield role. This change is compounded by Jorginho`s rib injury, which is expected to sideline him for much of the remaining season.
Consequently, the only anticipated change from the squad that defeated Real Madrid both home and away is Leandro Trossard leading the attack. Arsenal continues to miss several vital players: Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz (hamstring issues), along with Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee injuries). There remains optimism that Riccardo Calafiori might recover from his knee problem in time for the return leg in Paris next Wednesday.
For Paris Saint-Germain, the situation appears more straightforward. Manager Luis Enrique boasts a fully fit squad, presenting fewer selection dilemmas. The main decision reportedly centered on the front three, with Desire Doue getting the nod over Bradley Barcola to join Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele in attack.
With a clean bill of health, the rest of PSG`s lineup is virtually set. Since the Champions League group stage concluded, coach Enrique has relied heavily on a core group, with only 13 different players starting matches. This number would be even lower if Lucas Beraldo hadn`t needed to step in for the suspended Marquinhos during the 3-1 victory against Aston Villa.
Predicted Champions League Semi-final Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, Wlliam Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bakayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
PSG: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
