Mikel Arteta received a significant boost ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, as Mikel Merino returned to training, which helps finalize the starting XI for the upcoming semifinal first leg.

Merino missed the recent draw against Crystal Palace due to unspecified issues, but he, alongside another absentee, Ben White, participated fully in Monday’s training session. Hence, the 28-year-old midfielder is expected to feature prominently as Arteta aims to formulate a robust midfield capable of overpowering the opposition’s technical finesse.

Arsenal is still grappling with injuries; Thomas Partey is suspended due to an unfortunate late clash with Antonio Rudiger, which means Declan Rice is likely to step into the midfield role, while Jorginho’s absence is expected to stretch into the latter part of the season owing to a rib injury.

This situation suggests that Leandro Trossard will lead the attack with no other changes to the lineup that triumphed over Real Madrid both home and away. Arsenal continues to contend with a list of sidelined players including Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz, along with Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to knee injuries. There are hopes that Riccardo Calafiori may recover in time for the return leg next week in Paris.

For PSG, the choice is simpler with manager Luis Enrique set to select from a fully fit squad. The key decision hinges on whether to start Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele in the frontline. Barcola brings unpredictability, while Doue has been the favored option lately.

Predicted Lineups

• Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bakayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
• PSG: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.