Arteta rues Partey absence as Arsenal face PSG

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has bemoaned the absence of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain in France.

Arteta told Arsenal Media that it was unfortunate the versatile player – who can also operate at right back – picked up a second yellow card in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid a fortnight ago.

“We know that we lost Thomas Partey unfortunately very late in the game against Real Madrid [to suspension]. Ben White and Mikel Merino were able to train, and we will see if they can start tomorrow. Riccardo Calafiori is still not fit,” he said on Monday.

The Gunners, whose Premier League title hopes ended following Liverpool’s coronation, are aiming to make amends by lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time.

Arteta said winning the UEFA Champions League would mean a lot to the North London team, who came closest to hoisting the trophy in 2006 when they lost 2–1 to Barcelona in the final.

“[It's an] incredible opportunity. We are here to make people happy, to create history, and we are very close. Now we have to take the opportunity and make it happen,” said Arteta.

Arsenal have impressed in this season’s Champions League campaign, compensating for their domestic title disappointment.