Arsenal head into match day 2 of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners do have some major injury concerns ahead of the match.
The season for Mikel Arteta’s side has been good so far. Arsenal currently sits third on the table of the Premier League. They sit just below their title rivals Manchester City.
They will host PSG at the Emirates Stadium on the second matchday of the champion’s league. This will be a crucial game for both clubs to rise in the ranks of the table. A point in this match will help the teams in marking their spots.
Arsenal’s first match in the European championship ended in a goalless draw. The Gunners faced off against Europa League champions Atlanta. Arteta’s men were not clinical in finishing some of the chances that they got.
The hero for Arsenal against Atlanta was David Raya. The goalkeeper saved a penalty that was awarded to Atlanta. Thomas Partey committed a foul on Atlanta’s Ederson which after a VAR check was given a penalty. Raya displayed a brilliant double save to deny Atlanta from scoring.
PSG also managed to grab a point on match day 1 of the Champions League. The Parisian club faced off against Girona. An unfortunate own goal from Girona’s Paulo Gazzaniga on the brink of full-time added to PSG’s scoresheet.
There are not any changes in the PSG squad except the omission of their forward player Ousmane Dembele. According to coach Luis Enrique, the French forward has not travelled with the team, according to Goal.
Arsenal have their problems as they have loads of players injured. Ricardo Calafiori, Ben White and many important players will not play against PSG.
Injury concerns for important players
Gunners have maintained a good record yet in the 2024-2025 campaign. They have done this even after missing out on key players in the Arsenal squad.
Mikel Arteta is facing serious selection problems as the main men of the team are sidelined due to injuries. Martin Odegaard and Ricardo Calafiori are the players that could affect Arsenal’s style of play. Odegaard is suffering from an ankle injury that he got during the international break.
The Gunners captain’s absence in the midfield is quite evident. Odegaard is crucial in rotating and engaging play of Arsenal’s style of play. Arteta hinted that Martin’s return to the squad would be a surprise.
Ricardo Calafiori who came as a new signing for the Gunners from Bologna has been a crucial part of the squad. The youngster’s defensive capabilities have been important for Arsenal’s backline. The Italian also scored a screamer against title rivals Manchester City.
The 22-year-old has recently avoided a serious knee injury in the match against Leicester City. He was seen wearing a knee brace after the game. The reports state that it is a minor concern. Calafiori will however be doubtful of playing against PSG.
Declan Rice on Arsenal’s form
Gunners defensive midfielder Declan Rice has commented on what it is like to play for the team.
The Premier League giants have faced criticism for their player choices and performance last season. Arsenal were the runner-up in the Premier League title short of just three points from Manchester City. It was a fierce rivalry between the two London clubs in which Pep Guardiola’s men came out on top.
Mikel Arteta has gathered his men and made a strong start to the 2024-2025 campaign. They currently sit in the third position of the Premier League table. they have displayed an exceptional performance even after many players ruled out due to injuries.
Declan Rice says that enjoys himself as a Gunner and is proud to wear the red and white. Rice commented that-
“Playing for Arsenal means you have to win every game. It’s tough”.
Arsenal has started their season guns blazing as they have not lost their opening six games in the Premier League. They have at least ended a game in a draw. Mikel Arteta will expect his team to continue with this form and aim for trophies.
The Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain on match day 2 of the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium. A point to the clubs would be important as it would help the teams cement their position in upcoming rounds.
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