Thomas Partey Set to Start for Arsenal Against PSG in Champions League Semi-Final
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will return to the starting lineup for the club’s crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Partey, 31, was unavailable for the first leg due to yellow card suspension. However, he is now eligible and ready to feature in the high-stakes clash at Parc des Princes, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT.
“He’s a starter for us,” Arteta confirmed. “He’s played the most minutes in his position. We missed him in the last game, although Declan [Rice] stepped up well. Now, with Thomas back, we have more options in midfield.”
Arsenal will be aiming to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit and secure a place in their first Champions League final since 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona—also in Paris. Victory over PSG would send the Gunners to Munich, where they could face Inter Milan, following Inter’s dramatic triumph over Barcelona in the other semi-final.
Partey’s return is seen as a major boost for Arsenal’s hopes, with his experience and composure expected to play a key role in midfield.
— By Pascal Amoah
