“He’ll be great loss to us especially against a good team like PSG”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta confirms injury blow to the Gunners ahead of PSG clash in Champions League semi-final clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a significant injury setback ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, admitting that one of his key players will miss the crucial clash.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon, Arteta revealed that the unnamed player, described as a “big presence both on and off the pitch,” has been ruled out through injury, dealing a blow to Arsenal’s preparations.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a little setback with one of the players, and he won’t be available for this match,” Arteta told reporters. “It’s tough because he would have been very important for us, especially in a game of this magnitude against a top side like PSG.”
When pressed for more details, Arteta chose not to name the player immediately but hinted at the impact his absence will have on the squad.
“He’ll be a great loss to us, especially considering the way PSG play. His experience and quality in certain areas would have been vital. But this is football, and it’s an opportunity for others to step up and make a difference,” the Arsenal boss added.
Reports suggest the player in question could be either central defender Gabriel Magalhães, who picked up a knock in training, or winger Bukayo Saka, who has been nursing a minor muscle issue in recent weeks. However, official confirmation is expected closer to match day.
Arteta remained positive despite the setback, praising the squad’s depth and mentality heading into the blockbuster encounter.
“We’ve dealt with injuries before this season, and the team always responds. We trust the players we have, and we’ll prepare to give everything we have against PSG,” he said.
The Gunners face a formidable test against a PSG side boasting Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha, with the absence of a key player potentially complicating Arteta’s tactical plans.
Arsenal supporters will anxiously await official squad updates ahead of the clash, hoping no more surprises hit the squad before Wednesday night.