“Thomas may not start against PSG and here’s the reason”: Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta reveals why Thomas Partey might not start against PSG on Wednesday
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dropped a significant selection hint ahead of his side’s massive UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, revealing that midfielder Thomas Partey might not start on Wednesday night.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference at London Colney, Arteta addressed the growing speculation about Partey’s place in the starting line-up. The Ghanaian international has only recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff and has been carefully managed in recent weeks.
“Thomas is an important player for us, no doubt about that,” Arteta began. “But we have to be very careful with his fitness levels. He’s been out for a long time, and coming into a high-intensity match like this against a team like PSG — it’s a decision we need to get absolutely right.”
Arteta admitted that while Partey offers qualities that would be valuable in a game of this magnitude, there are concerns over whether he can cope with the relentless pace and physical demands of a semi-final against the likes of Kylian Mbappé and Vitinha.
“The rhythm of the game is going to be extremely fast, and we have to assess whether Thomas is ready to sustain that for the minutes we require,” Arteta explained. “He’s trained well, but it’s not just about training. It’s about how he reacts during matches, and the decision will be made based on what’s best for the team.”
Arteta also highlighted the importance of midfield control against PSG’s lethal transition play, echoing Pep Guardiola’s earlier remarks about protecting spaces in midfield.
“We need players who can not only keep possession but also recover quickly and cover large spaces when we lose the ball. That’s going to be crucial,” Arteta added.
If Partey is left out of the starting XI, it’s expected that Jorginho or Declan Rice will anchor the midfield, with Kai Havertz or Martin Ødegaard playing in more advanced roles.
When asked if Partey could still feature later in the game, Arteta was cautious but optimistic. “Of course — he’s a big player and could be very useful at any stage of the match. But we need to be smart about when and how we use him.”
As Arsenal prepare for one of their biggest European nights in recent history, all eyes will be on Arteta’s team sheet on Wednesday to see whether the experienced Ghanaian midfielder is trusted to start, or held in reserve for a potentially decisive came