Arsenal XI vs PSG: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League semi-final today | OneFootball

Midfield reshuffle required as Arsenal host PSG in first leg of massive semi-final tie

Declan Rice could drop back into a deeper midfield role

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal could be boosted by the return of Mikel Merino for their Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain tonight.

The Spaniard, however, took part in training on Monday afternoon and is expected to be fit for the game.

Merino has been starring up front for Arsenal since February, but he is likely to play in midfield on Tuesday.

Thomas Partey is suspended whilst Arteta is also without fellow defensive midfielder, Jorginho, due to a rib injury and defender Riccardo Calafiori.

"We know that we lost Thomas unfortunately very late in the game against Real Madrid,” Arteta said in the pre-match press conference.

“Ben and Mikel, they were able to train [on Monday]. Let's see if they are able to start tomorrow, and Ricky is still not fit."

Double boost: Mikel Merino and Ben White trained ahead of the PSG game

AFP via Getty Images

Partey’s absence means Declan Rice could be tasked with playing at the base of midfield, instead of his usual No8 role.

Merino would then drop into the midfield alongside Rice and captain Martin Odegaard, with Leandro Trossard leading the line.

Trossard has been in fine form for Arsenal this month and has already scored four goals.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to flank him on either wing, with the latter a second-half substitute in last week’s draw with Palace.

At the back, Arteta is expected to stick with the defence that kept Real Madrid quiet in the last round. That would mean another start for Jakub Kiwior alongside William Saliba in the heart of defence.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 8.30pm GMT

TV channel: Amazon Prime

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Referee: Slavko Vincic

Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Rice; Martinelli, Saka, Sterling and Trossard.

Injured: Calafiori (knee), Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Jorginho (ribs), Tomiyasu (knee)

Suspended: Partey