Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has some key decisions to make when it comes to selecting the team that will take to the field against PSG in the Champions League semi-finals.
The Gunners have a real opportunity to make only their second final in the competition, the first and only Champions League final for the club came in 2006, with a defeat to Barcelona.
There was an expectation that much of the side would be able to pick itself, but Mikel Arteta suddenly faces a few selection dilemmas.
Thomas Partey’s suspension means that another midfield option will have to be chosen at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg.
Meanwhile, Mikel Merino is an injury concern after missing out against Crystal Palace in midweek due to an unspecified issue.
Even if the Spaniard is available for Arsenal, perhaps Leandro Trossard has staked a claim to taking his position as a striker anyway.
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Leandro Trossard impressed against Crystal Palace as Arsenal centre-forward option
One of the main dilemmas impacting Mikel Arteta in the second half of the season so far has surrounded which option he picks to play as a striker.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have kept them out of action, with several different players trying out in the role.
Mikel Merino has been the go-to so far, having shown the physical profile to replicate the box threat that the Gunners need.
He may well be replaced by Leandro Trossard, though, who showed exactly what he is capable of in midweek.
During Arsenal’s draw with Crystal Palace, the Belgian international found the back of the net with a clinical finish to give his side the lead.
While his killer instinct in front of the goal is one clear reason to opt for him, there is also the multi-faceted nature of Trossard.
Capable of showing tremendous pace, he can run the channels and cover plenty of ground, much more so than Merino.
In a match against a team that presses the way PSG do, there could be space left for him to exploit in the meeting.
For that reason, starting Trossard as the striker and perhaps dropping Merino into midfield to cover the suspension is the best option.
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Leandro Trossard has already impressed against PSG this season
Trossard has been in and out of the team this season, and while many have questioned his consistency, he has certainly shown up for some big moments.
One of those came for Arsenal in their league phase meeting with PSG in the Champions League back in October.
The forward managed to register a fantastic assist for Kai Havertz in an eventual 2-0 victory over the French giants.
Thierry Henry lavished praise on Trossard for his impact, something he will be looking to repeat in another meeting around the corner.
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