Mikel Arteta Confirms Double Injury Boost Before Arsenal vs PSG as Ousmane Dembele Dropped
Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double injury boost for Arsenal ahead of their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Both summer signings, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, are back in training.
Arsenal has received a boost with the return of Mikel Merino to training, while Riccardo Calafiori has also overcome injury concerns.
The Gunners are set to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday night in their second Champions League match of the season. Calafiori had initially worried fans after appearing to injure himself while celebrating a teammate’s goal during Saturday’s win over Leicester.
Merino sustained a shoulder injury in a freak accident just before the season began and has yet to make his debut. However, he is now close to full fitness, having started light training last week.
Arteta mentioned before the Leicester match that Merino is eager to play, and he was seen participating in the final training session ahead of the PSG clash, alongside Calafiori, who appears to have fully recovered.
Despite previously stating he had no updates on potential injury returns, Arteta acknowledged Calafiori’s fitness was in question leading into the weekend. He noted, “We have to review a few players, but overall, especially regarding any returns, there’s nothing to report.”
Calafiori’s availability is crucial for the team, given his impressive start to the season. Arteta praised the Italian fullback, highlighting his eagerness to join Arsenal and how well he fits into the team’s philosophy.
“He’s got this energy and aura around him. He’s very likeable and he’s a fighter, a player who wanted to play the way we do and would do anything for the team,” Arteta said.
Arteta revealed that Calafiori, despite being “a bit emotional” after the injury, is now fit and “in contention” for the PSG game.
Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique has left Ousmane Dembele in France, which further boosts Arsenal’s chances.
Reports suggest that Dembele was omitted from the squad following a heated argument with Enrique after PSG’s 3-1 victory over Rennes. Despite Dembele’s absence, Arteta emphasized that Arsenal will be prepared for whatever PSG brings to the game.
Mikel Arteta Confirms Double Injury Boost Before Arsenal vs PSG as Ousmane Dembele Dropped