Mikel Arteta knows he must get his team selection spot on against PSG if Arsenal are to reach the Champions League final.
The Gunners trail 1-0 and must win in Paris to stand a chance of progressing past the French giants on Wednesday evening. It will be no easy task but Luis Enrique knows his side must be at their best themselves.
"I played with Mikel Arteta when he was very young at Barcelona and I have good memories of that time. He has got a strong character and a real personality," the PSG boss told the media on Tuesday.
"He was a great player and he is a great coach. We have seen what he has done at Arsenal, where they have improved so much. He has improved the team in many areas and I wish him all the best, just not for the game tomorrow."
Arteta went pretty much full strength against Bournemouth on Saturday, a game which the Gunners lost 2-1. It's possible the Spaniard is considering a few changes to his starting XI as he bids to guide the club to their first European final since 2006. Below, football.london discusses three wildcard decisions he could make on Wednesday night.
Calafiori for Kiwior
On Tuesday, Arteta was given a timely boost as Riccardo Calafiori returned to training. The Italian was spotted training with his teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre and could be included in the matchday squad on Wednesday.
Calafiori has been out since March with a knee injury but it's possible he replaces Jakub Kiwior at left centre-back for the game against PSG. Kiwior has performed very well in Gabriel's absence but it's probable that Calafiori would have partnered William Saliba should the former Bologna man have been fit.
It's likely that Kiwior retains his place in the starting line-up but Calafiori is a serious option for Arteta. It's why the club paid £42milion for his services last summer after all.
Partey for White/Timber
Jurrien Timber started at right-back in the first leg but picked up a slight knock during the clash. The Dutchman was left out of the squad to face Bournemouth at the weekend, with Arteta admitting he was not confident Timber would be fit in time for the second leg. Despite these comments, Timber trained on Tuesday and looks to be in contention to play.
Ben White played most of the defeat to Bournemouth and supported Bukayo Saka well on the right flank. The Englishman is another option but has endured a stop-start season himself due to injuries. One other option who could play at right-back is Thomas Partey.
The Ghana international missed the first leg as he was suspended but is available to play this time around. While his best position is undoubtedly at the base of midfield, he is a reliable option, especially if Timber is not match fit, and his ability to invert when Arsenal are in possession is a real asset.
Nwaneri for Odegaard
Martin Odegaard is Arsenal's captain and is world class on his day. The Norwegian has struggled for form in recent months, however, and frustrated supporters at times during the loss to Bournemouth.
Ethan Nwaneri could come into the side and play as a No.8 if Arteta chooses to drop Odegaard completely. The 18-year-old is a super talent and his nine goals this season prove that. It would be an incredibly huge call but it may be a risk worth taking.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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