PSG vs Arsenal in the Champions League
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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings
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Arsenal have been handed a major boost as Jurrien Timber is fit to face Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Timber had been a doubt for the game on Wednesday night after missing Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta had said after that loss that Timber was not fit to make the squad, but he trained on Tuesday morning.
“I will assess (Timber) today, whether he can start again or not,” Arteta said on Tuesday night.
Timber should come into the defence in place of Ben White, who was one of two changes to the Arsenal team last weekend. Thomas Partey was the other change and he should keep his place after being suspended for the first leg against PSG last week.
The return of Partey should mean Declan Rice can push forward to an advanced role after playing at the base of midfield in the first leg. Rice has starred for Arsenal during this Champions League run and is their top scorer in the knockout phase this season.
In attack, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to start on the flanks - but Arteta has a dilemma as to who leads the line.
Leandro Trossard was given the nod in the first leg, however Mikel Merino could replace him on Wednesday night. Merino has excelled as an emergency striker for Arsenal but was less effective last week when he played in midfield.
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Riccardo Calafiori is back in the squad after returning to training. The defender has been out since March with a knee injury.
“He’s travelled and he’s fit and ready to play when we need him,” said Arteta. “That great news, too.”
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Merino, Nwaneri, Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Martinelli, Saka, Sterling and Trossard.
Injured: Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Jorginho (rib), Tomiyasu (knee)
Time and date: 8pm BST on Wednesday May 7, 2025
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
How to watch: TNT Sports
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)