'A big blow' - how much will Arsenal miss Partey in PSG first leg?
- Published
It was a nearly perfect performance from Arsenal as they completed their impressive Champions League win over Real Madrid.
The biggest disappointment was that Thomas Partey picked up a cheap yellow card and will miss the first leg of the semi-final against Paris St-Germain.
Partey's absence for Mikel Arteta's side is going to be a big blow.
The midfielder has been an important part of the Arsenal side and has been in good form for the past couple of months.
Partey not being available means that Arteta is going to have to reshuffle the midfield to deal with his suspension.
Declan Rice has been excellent in his number eight role but is likely to have to move back to the deeper number six role for the first leg at least.
Jorginho would be an option but he is currently injured with a suspected rib injury.
That means that Mikel Merino, Arsenal's answer to their lack of a striker, may have to drop into midfield and Leandro Trossard could come into the central striker role.
Mikel Arteta does not like to change a settled side and Partey being unavailable means he is going to have to get creative for that first crucial game.