Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his squad to embrace the occasion as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, the club’s first appearance at this stage since 2009.
Acknowledging the historical weight, Arteta emphasized the rarity of the opportunity, stating: “We’ve never done it, so we need to earn the right to be in that final… be present and live the moment. It’s a beautiful moment.”
The Gunners, who have never won Europe’s top club competition, head into the clash without midfielder Thomas Partey, suspended after a booking in the second leg of their quarter-final win over Real Madrid.
Arteta cited that result, a 5-1 aggregate victory, as a major confidence booster, particularly given the significance of playing at the Bernabeu.
Ben White and Mikel Merino participated in training, but Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Merino is expected to slot into midfield in Partey’s absence, with Leandro Trossard likely to feature in the attack.
