Arsenal are preparing for their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
The Gunners will be eager to secure their first win of the 2024/25 Champions League, with the new format presenting the chance to earn three points.
So far, Mikel Arteta’s side have one point on the board after drawing 0-0 with Atalanta to kick the tournament off.
Returning to the Emirates in a European blockbuster has the making for a magical night in N5, with the Arsenal squad putting together their final preparations ahead of the fixture.
Mikel Merino spotted in Arsenal training ahead of PSG
After beating Leicester City in a dramatic late win at the Emirates on Saturday, confidence is high in the Arsenal squad.
Declan Rice admitted Arsenal are excited for the test against PSG, with Arteta eager to see how his players operate against top European opposition.
Ahead of the game, the Gunners trained at Colney in a session that was open to reporters, providing an insight into some squad updates.
The biggest takeaway from the open session was the return of Mikel Merino, who after signing in the summer, is yet to make his debut due to the shoulder injury he sustained in training.
The Spaniard joined his teammates for training in what will be a significant boost for Arsenal however, it’s unlikely that the midfielder will feature against PSG.
Arteta confirmed that there are no ‘big’ injury updates ahead of PSG, which presumably leaves the 28-year-old out of contention.
It’s a boost regardless to have Merino back, with the summer arrival set to play a big part in Arteta’s plans this season.
Ben White missing and other things spotted in Arsenal training
Another emerging topic from training is the absence of Ben White, who was not named in the squad to face Leicester City.
White is nursing a groin injury which is the reason he didn’t face the Foxes although, Arteta admitted that the right-back could feature against PSG.
With the Englishman not in training, it’s assumed that the boss was playing mind games regarding White’s fitness, with it unlikely he will feature having not trained.
Aside from the right-back’s absence, there were other talking points raised by reporters present at Colney, with updates provided on Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and some academy stars.
Firstly, Calafiori was seen in training after doubts surfaced regarding a possible knee injury after the victory over Leicester.
It’s a relief to see the Italian with the squad ahead of the PSG clash, with the summer arrival in searing form early this term.
Another boost came in the form of Tomiyasu, who like Merino, returned to training after spending some time on the sidelines however, it’s highly unlikely that the defender will return to the squad to face PSG.
As well as first-team regular Ethan Nwaneri, three academy talents were seen with the first team, as Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Maldini Kacurri and Myles Lewis-Skelly were present.
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