Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, manager Mikel Arteta has offered an update on midfielder Mikel Merino’s injury status.
With Liverpool already securing the Premier League title, the Gunners are now fully focused on European glory, just three matches away from lifting the Champions League trophy. Their first test comes on Tuesday night as they host PSG at the Emirates Stadium in a highly anticipated showdown.
This season, Arteta has faced significant injury challenges, particularly in attack, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined. As a result, Merino has occasionally been used as an emergency striker—a tactical move that paid off in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid, where the Spaniard found the net in a commanding 3-0 victory.
However, with Thomas Partey suspended and Leandro Trossard in fine form—scoring four goals in his last four league appearances—Merino could revert to his natural midfield role against PSG.
Concerns arose when the 28-year-old missed Arsenal’s recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace due to injury, with Ben White also absent. While Merino was spotted in training on Monday, Arteta remained cautious about his availability for the starting lineup.
“We lost Thomas very late in the match against Real Madrid,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference. “Ben and Mikel have been training, but we’ll have to assess whether they’re ready to start tomorrow. Unfortunately, Riccardo [Calafiori] is still not fit.”
Arsenal have never won the Champions League, with their only final appearance dating back to 2006. Arteta, however, is determined to rewrite history.
“Given the challenges we’ve faced this season and how we’ve battled through them, being among Europe’s top four is a fantastic achievement,” he added. “It’s a great story so far, but we’re hungry for more.”
As the Gunners prepare for their biggest European night in years, all eyes will be on whether Merino can play a pivotal role in their quest for glory.
