Arsenal: Arteta was shocked before the semi-final go

The seasons are more and more trying and while we come at the end of the 2024-2025 exercise, some coaches no longer dare to look at the state of their infirmary. Paris Saint-Germain version Luis Enrique is almost exceptional.

Because apart from the little physical glitch of Ousmane Dembélé during the semi-final go to the Champions League against Arsenal, the capital’s club can count on a whole group.

Which is not really the case with his compatriot Mikel Arteta. The Boss of the Gunners must deal with many absences in his group. A complicated situation to manage that has resurfaced when entering the lawn to face the Parisians.

“I see seven players online”

As he explains in an interview with Sky Sportshe was caught up in reality a few minutes before the semi-final kicks off to Paris Saint-Germain.

“I was waiting for the players to finish their warm-up before the match against PSG at home, explains the Spanish tactician. Before the match, I cross the tunnel, and I see seven players online,” he concedes with astonishment.

He continues: “These players are Tomiyasu, a phenomenal defender, so I use it a lot in the defensive line. Next to him, Calafiori, a holder that had just been signed, absent for five and a half months. Gabriel Magalhães, the best defender”, gives in the Spaniard, who continues to bother the list.

“Seven players of this absent caliber?”

“Thomas Partey, our number 6 holder, suspended. Kai Havertz, our number 9 holder, absent four months. Gabriel Jesus, whom we brought back alive. Out for nine or ten months, I don’t know how long. Jorginho, a player with a huge experience to play this kind of match. Seven players of this absent caliber?”. A terrible observation made at the worst moment of the season.

On the return, Arteta will be able to count on Thomas Parte this time, returning from suspension. But for the rest, it should be the same group. It is up to him to find solutions to achieve a feat at the Parc des Princes.