Arsenal vs PSG: Latest team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are on the brink of making history as they prepare to host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night. It’s a fixture loaded with anticipation, pressure, and the weight of a club’s long wait for European glory.

The Gunners secured their place in the semi-final with an exceptional performance against defending champions Real Madrid. That thrilling two-legged tie proved Arsenal’s credentials, but now a fresh challenge awaits in the form of a fast, fearless and youthful PSG side led by Luis Enrique.

For Arsenal, this is their first appearance at this stage of the competition in 16 years. And while excitement runs high among the fans, Arteta’s squad faces a few key absences that could define how Tuesday’s clash at the Emirates unfolds.

The most notable absentee is Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder picked up a suspension-worthy yellow card in the dramatic second leg against Real Madrid. His energy and experience in the heart of midfield will be sorely missed.

In Partey’s absence, all eyes turn to Mikel Merino. The Spanish international has been deployed in various roles this season, including as a makeshift centre-forward, but is likely to return to his natural midfield position if deemed fit.

However, Merino’s inclusion is far from guaranteed. He missed Arsenal’s last Premier League match against Crystal Palace due to a lingering injury concern and remains a doubt ahead of the showdown with PSG.

Leandro Trossard, on the other hand, has been in fine scoring form recently. With three goals in his last two Premier League games, the Belgian could be trusted to spearhead the attack, especially if Merino is passed fit to bolster the midfield.

Defensively, there are additional concerns. Ben White, still managing the aftermath of a serious knee injury, was absent from the squad against Palace and is in a race against time to be fit for Tuesday’s clash.

Jorginho is also ruled out after picking up a rib injury earlier in the month. In addition, Arsenal remain without long-term absentees including Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz, and centre-back Gabriel.

Despite the growing injury list, there is a glimmer of hope regarding Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender is recovering from his own knee issue, and Arteta sounded optimistic about his potential inclusion in the squad.

If Calafiori is passed fit, he could provide some much-needed depth in the defensive department, especially with Kiwior expected to start alongside William Saliba at centre-back.

In midfield, the creative burden will likely fall once again on captain Martin Ødegaard. His leadership, along with Declan Rice’s dynamism, will be essential to keeping PSG’s rapid transitions in check.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are set to provide width in Arsenal’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, while goalkeeper David Raya retains his spot between the posts after several crucial saves in recent outings.

The predicted XI for Arsenal is: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Rice, Merino, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.

On the opposing side, PSG have been ruthless in Ligue 1 this season and come into this tie full of confidence. Luis Enrique’s project in Paris is beginning to take shape, with the club now reaching their third semi-final in five seasons.

But PSG are not invincible. They were rattled by Aston Villa in the quarter-finals and showed defensive vulnerabilities that Arsenal may look to exploit, especially in front of their home crowd.

The Emirates Stadium will be bouncing for this one. With the title race in England nearing its conclusion and the Champions League the ultimate prize, Arsenal have never had a better chance to write their names into club folklore.

Kick-off for Arsenal vs PSG is scheduled for 8pm on Tuesday, April 29, and fans can watch it live on Amazon Prim