As Arsenal prepare for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 7, manager Mikel Arteta faces significant injury concerns that could impact team selection and strategy.
Martin Ødegaard’s Fitness Uncertain
Captain Martin Ødegaard’s availability is in question after he was substituted during the recent 2-1 loss to Bournemouth. While the exact nature of his issue hasn’t been disclosed, his potential absence would be a significant blow, given his role in orchestrating Arsenal’s midfield play.
Jurrien Timber’s Return Delayed
Defender Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined for much of the season due to injury, was expected to bolster the defense for the PSG encounter. However, Arteta expressed uncertainty about Timber’s readiness, stating, “I cannot tell you” when asked about the severity of the injury.
The Standard
Riccardo Calafiori’s Status
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori has struggled with fitness issues throughout the season. Although he was absent for the Bournemouth match, Arteta hasn’t ruled him out for the PSG game, indicating that his participation will depend on his response to training in the coming days.
Jorginho’s Recovery Progressing
Other Absentees
Arsenal will also be without several key players:
Gabriel Magalhães: Underwent hamstring surgery in early April and is targeting a return for the start of next season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Recovering from knee surgery performed in February, with a return expected in the autumn.
Kai Havertz: Dealing with a hamstring issue, with a potential return date set for May 18 against Newcastle.
As Arsenal aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against PSG, the availability of these players could be pivotal in Our Gunners quest to reach the Champions League final.
How are you feeling about Arsenal facing PSG on Wednesday, after their recent league performances?
Michelle M
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White will replace Timber. Play the same team which humbled RM. The team would be stronger with Ethan starting over Odegard. Tomiyasu, Jorginho and Calaufori have contributed nothing to little this season and will not be missed. COYG
It is not Real Madrid it PSG.
Michelle’s probably a little rusty and it will take a few games for her to get up to speed😉.
“As Arsenal aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against Real Madrid”. This is poor journalism. It is not accurate. It is PSG
Give it a rest Paul, you already pointed out her error and no need to go OTT. Have you never made a mistake?
Poor journalism is a little bit harsh Paul.. As per GB, have you never made a mistake?
At least I know you read to the end of the article, which is great!
On the other hand, if that really is all you took from the article then
I really am not doing my job properly lol! PS: error corrected 👌
A bit deep ?
If Ødegaard’s out we do have options for that role. Nwaneri of course, if the event isn’t considered too overwhelming for him, Merino, although he’s not particularly creative or Saka who’s played quite well there for England.
Story of the season, injuries injuries injuries.
We could of course play Tierney at LB and switch the tigerish MLS into midfield to support Partey and Rice and play Merino up front?Lets face it, the absence of Odegaard would hardly be described as disastrous given his poor form this season?
Grandad,
As usual bang on the money. (Arsenal’s next manager I say).
I would love to see MLS in the midfield, the way he drives the ball forward is class, that turn when receiving the ball is Wilshere-esque.
I never cared so much before, but really noticed odegaard’s pressing and how important it was in the Madrid games, and others since then. I don’t think anyone is missing how poor he’s been on the ball, but the way he leads the press and helps to force teams into uncomfortable situations is so key to how we play. I thought similarly of olmo yesterday, who was relatively poor with the ball but won the ball high up the pitch several times which led to chances for Barcelona.
Not saying this should justify odegaard starting (at least not in the long term), but I do think we need one of those three midfielders to press high, and effectively – but I don’t know who else can do it. (I suppose rice definitely *could*, but then we’d lose his defensive impact from deeper positions, which is also crucial to how we play, and I don’t trust anyone else to come in and replace that, including MLS)
We could completely throw out our usual way of playing/pressing, of course, but I think that would be a bit risky at this point.
Looks like Odegaard and Timber are fit as they trained with the rest of the squad today.
Captain Odegaard is trying but it’s not happening for the Norwegian.
But no one will know Arsenal full strength until a hour before kick off.
With either side giving nothing away, the gaffer will be keeping his cards as close as possible to his chest
As much as Odegaard may be a bit off form, I still think his presence is needed. His energy off the ball is contagious to the rest of the team. Also, I know we lost the game, but his assist for Rice midweek may give him a bit of encouragement. It was a great assist in my view, moved into a pocket of space to receive, got himself in a good position to find Rice in the box.
Absolutely my opinion too