Arsenal team news vs PSG as Mikel Arteta receives boost before Champions League clash

Riccardo Calafiori has allayed any injury concerns ahead of Arsenal’s pivotal encounter with PSG in the Champions League tonight.

Arsenal are gearing up to resume their Champions League campaign after a draw to Atalanta in the opener. Spirits in the camp are high following aa dramatic victory over Leicester, which saw the Gunners snatch three points thanks to two stoppage-time goals.

Calafiori completed the entire match but suffered a knock near the end, which led to fears he’d be sidelined. However, the Italian is expected to be in the starting line-up against the French giants at the Emirates.

Ben White is facing a race against time to be fit though, and looks likely to miss out after he missed training on the eve of the Euroepan clash. But Jurrien Timber’s versatility is set to prove vital once again, with the Dutch defender gearing up to step in for the English star. Both Timber and Calafiori represent fresh blood in the squad.

Arteta has praised the dynamism they contribute to his formidable defensive line-up, saying: “They are two players that have a football brain, the intelligence, the quality and adaptability to occupy different spaces whether attacking or defending.”

Kai Havertz is set to continue his role as a false nine, with Leandro Trossard also expected to retain his place in the starting line-up. The Belgian star was on target again over the weekend, and has delivered some crucial goals in Europe for Arsenal.

Tuesday’s fixture marks another big occasion for the club, taking on a European giant at home as they look to produce a statement performance. Arsenal are deemed strong contenders in the Champions League, and Arteta is relishing the chance to try and lay down a marker.

“Everybody is looking forward to it,” said Arteta. “We missed it for a number of years, and last year was the first one after so many years that we had the experience to do it.

“The group stage is a bit different this season and the opposition we are going to face tomorrow is probably at the highest level that you can face in European football. But honestly, it’s a good opportunity for us to see how we deal with these nights, how prepared we are and how we can impose ourselves in this kind of context.”