Eight players could miss PSG vs Arsenal showdown with late fitness test planned

Arsenal will be aiming to make the Champions League final on Thursday as they travel to France to take on Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain but they will have to do it without a few key stars

Arsenal could be without up to SIX key players for their decisive Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners travel to the French capital on Wednesday evening as they eye a spot in the Champions League final.

And it will take a comeback from the North London side to book their spot after Ousmane Dembele’s goal in North London. And Mikel Arteta’s ide will have to do it without a host of key stars.

As it stands, five Arsenal players are restricted to the sidelines and won’t be playing in Paris. Gabriel Magalhaes is out with a hamstring injury, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is struggling with a knee injury.

Italian midfielder Jorginho has picked up a rib injury, with forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both ruled with long-term hamstring and knee injuries respectively. Arteta gave an update on the issues his side were facing ahead of the trip to Paris, revealing Jurrien Timber faces a late evaluation, while Riccardo Calafiori was fine to return.

Speaking about Timber’s chances of playing during his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “We will decide tomorrow.” On Calafiori, he added: “He’s trained and is fit and ready to play if we need him.”

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While Arteta has some headaches to overcome, Luis Enrique also has one or two issues that will be at the front of his mind before kick off. PSG are currently without the services of French defender Presnel Kimpembe and potentially, playmaker Lee Kang-in – although the latter could yet make the bench.

But in better news for the French giants, they will have star forward Ousmane Dembele available. The 33-goal winger missed the weekend’s defeat to Strasbourg away from home but is fine to return on Wednesday evening.

“He’s been training with us for the last two days,” said Enrique. “You saw him on Tuesday – a normal training session for him. He’ll be available on Wednesday.”

Arsenal already know the side they will take on in the final should they found a route past PSG. Inter Milan became the first side to secure their place after beating Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate in a thrilling semi-final.

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Speaking about Arsenal’s task ahead, Arteta said: “Huge enthusiasm, huge energy. We are a win away from being in the Champions League final, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world against a great opponent – it doesn’t get much better than that.

“We are here to make history, and we have a big opportunity tomorrow. We bring a result that gives us so much clarity about what we have to do. A lot of learning from the first leg as well, and how small the margins are between the two teams.

“The result, in my opinion, should have been very different to that one. So tomorrow, another opportunity to prove that and earn the right to be in the final.”

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