Arsenal sealed a famous victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday to book a Champions League semi-final spot against PSG – but boss Mikel Arteta is now faced with a dilemma after losing Thomas Partey to suspension
Mikel Arteta could be forced into a double change for the Champions League semi final. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg against Paris Saint Germain after getting a late booking against Real Madrid.
It could mean that Mikel Merino – who has been so effective as a stand-in striker – moves back into midfield but that may impact on Declan Rice who would be a more natural replacement for Partey in the holding role.
Rice has been outstanding in a more advanced midfield role and was man-of-the-match in that position in both Real Madrid quarter final ties.
Veteran midfielder Jorginho would be a natural replacement but is currently out with a chest injury, although it remains to be seen whether he could be fit in time to face PSG in the first leg on April 29.
If Jorginho did not suffer any fractures then he may be able to play through the pain barrier but he was originally expected to be out for some weeks.
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It is a huge dilemma for Arsenal boss Arteta who has been plagued by injuries all season with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel and Kai Havertz all currently on the treatment table after undergoing surgery.
Arteta has been clever at finding solutions and may also need Leandro Trossard to operate as a false nine against PSG if Merino has to move back into midfield.
The one boost for Arsenal is that all the bookings – Rice and Jurrien Timber were also on yellow cards in the Bernabeu – are now wiped out. Partey will also be available for the return leg in Paris on Wednesday May 7.
Arsenal will also have six days to prepare for the PSG first leg at the Emirates as their game against Crystal Palace has been brought forward to Wednesday April 23 due to Oliver Glasner ’s men being involved in an FA Cup semi final with Aston Villa.
When asked if he had been any prouder of his players after reaching the semi-finals, Arteta said: “Probably not. Not only because we’re in the semi-final for the third time in our history, but also for the manner and the way we did it, with the circumstances, the amount of injuries that we had.
“I think overall, I think it shows the character of this team, of this club, and it’s a night to be very proud of.
“What this shows is that the feeling that we have is a reality. And the feeling that I had before the tie, with what the players were transmitting and how prepared I could feel they were, was that we are ready to compete against anybody.
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