Arsenal have been handed a massive setback with one of their leading players suspended for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners progressed to the semi-final after a brilliant performance across two legs versus Real Madrid. The London giants sealed a comfortable 3-0 win in the quarter-final first leg last week.
There was much talk of a ‘remontada’ from Madrid at the Bernabeu, but Arsenal handled the challenge with relative ease. The Gunners secured a memorable 2-1 victory on the road yesterday.
Despite the fabulous result, manager Mikel Arteta will be disappointed after midfielder Thomas Partey picked up a reckless yellow card for an altercation before stoppage time.
Rudiger intentionally fouled Mikel Merino with an elbow in the 85th minute. It brought a furious reaction from Partey. His needless push on Dani Ceballos handed him a booking.
The yellow card could prove costly for the Gunners. It was Partey’s third of the Champions League campaign and he will therefore be suspended for the semi-final first leg versus PSG.
Arsenal have a big void to fill, considering Partey was brilliant in both legs of the quarter-final. He had a 100 percent passing accuracy yesterday (21/21) with 100 percent successful tackles.
The £13 million-rated star also won four duels while making three clearances and three recoveries at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal host Les Parisiens at the Emirates on April 29. With Jorginho’s limited mobility, Mikel Merino could be asked to partner Declan Rice in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.
There is an option to start Myles Lewis-Skelly in the number six role, but that could disrupt the backline.
Riccardo Calafiori could feature as the left-back if he recovers from a knee injury. Otherwise, Jurrien Timber could start at left-back, with Ben White on the opposite end.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com
