Three Arsenal stars set to miss Champions League clash vs. PSG
Context:
Arsenal is set to face PSG in a crucial Champions League match on May 7, trailing 0-1 from the first leg, but their chances are hampered by injuries to key players. Gabriel Magalhães is out for the season after hamstring surgery, Takehiro Tomiyasu won't return until autumn due to knee surgery, and Kai Havertz is still recovering from a hamstring issue, making him unavailable for the game. Captain Martin Ødegaard's participation is uncertain following an injury against Bournemouth, and Jurrien Timber is also doubtful after missing a recent match. PSG faces their own challenges with Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang-in's fitness in question, though Lucas Hernandez might return to strengthen their defense. Both teams are grappling with significant injuries, making the outcome of the match unpredictable and potentially impacting their performances in the crucial clash with a spot in the Champions League final at stake.
Dive Deeper:
Arsenal faces a must-win scenario against PSG in the Champions League, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, with several key players sidelined due to injuries, complicating their chances to advance.
Defensive pillar Gabriel Magalhães will miss the rest of the season following hamstring surgery, while Takehiro Tomiyasu, also injured, is not expected to return until autumn, adding to Arsenal's defensive woes.
Kai Havertz, another essential player, is still recuperating from a hamstring problem and will not be fit to play against PSG, although he targets a return later in the month.
Captain Martin Ødegaard's involvement remains uncertain after he limped off in a recent game, with Arteta non-committal about his status, and Jurrien Timber is also doubtful, having missed a match due to a knock.
PSG, although leading after the first leg, is not without issues as their goalscorer Ousmane Dembele strained his hamstring and Presnel Kimpembe is ruled out with a bone edema, potentially weakening their squad.
Lee Kang-in is another concern for PSG after sustaining a shin injury, though Lucas Hernandez might return to bolster their defense, providing some relief amidst their injury troubles.
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, making the outcome of the clash for the Champions League final spot uncertain, as fitness concerns could heavily influence team performances on the field.
With a spot in the Champions League final on the line, Arsenal travel to Paris to face PSG on May 7, trailing 0-1 from the first leg.
It’s a must-win game for Mikel Arteta’s side, but the Gunners’ hopes are hanging by a thread, that haven't been helped with a number of fresh injuries to key players.
Arsenal will be without three of their regulars. Gabriel Magalhães, a defensive mainstay, underwent hamstring surgery in early April and is out for the remainder of the season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who had knee surgery in February, won’t return before autumn. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is still recovering from a hamstring issue and while he is targeting a return later this month, won't be fit to face PSG.
Captain Martin Ødegaard’s presence also remains doubtful. The midfielder, vital to Arsenal’s rhythm and creativity, limped off after assisting against Bournemouth on May 3.
Arteta deflected when asked post-match, saying he hadn’t yet spoken to doctors. Similarly, Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, who started the first leg, is a doubt for the Premier League side. He missed the Bournemouth clash after picking up a knock against PSG.
Arteta admitted, “At the moment, I'm not confident (about his presence for PSG clash). Today he wasn't able to play and we're playing again in four days. I can't tell you more.
While Thomas Partey will be back in midfield, Riccardo Calafiori has fitness concerns and didn’t face Bournemouth. Arteta has left the door open, but his return will depend on final training sessions. Jorginho is progressing in recovery but there has been no confirmation on his status.
What about PSG?
PSG, who edged the first leg with a solitary goal, have problems of their own.Their match-winner Ousmane Dembele strained his hamstring last Tuesday and only returned to partial training on May 5. Dembele who returned to training completed only three of four drills set by Luis Enrique, as per RMC Sport.
While he's expected to make the squad, a start remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Presnel Kimpembe is definitively out with a bone edema in his right foot.
Lee Kang-in is another doubt after taking a heavy blow to his shin during the weekend game against Strasbourg.
Though not considered serious, the South Korean hasn’t trained since and will face a fitness test on May 6 (Today). On the flip side, Lucas Hernandez could return to add defensive steel.
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