Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber will undergo late fitness tests as he battles to feature in Arsenal's decider against Paris Saint-Germain. But the Gunners have been boosted by the news that star summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is fit and ready to play.
Timber had been forced to miss Saturday's disappointing defeat to after picking up an injury. Calafiori meanwhile has been missing since the start of April with a knee problem, though was spotted training with the first-team squad on Tuesday.
Arteta's side flew out to the French capital on Tuesday ahead of the winner-takes-all semi-final second leg at the Parc des Princes. hold a one-goal lead over the Gunners as both teams bid to make it to the Champions League final.
While Luis Enrique's side having lost just three times at home in all competitions, it appears to be an uphill task. But Arteta has been boosted by the news that his defence could see two star players return to play.
Arteta though is refusing to jump for joy just yet. He has revealed that Timber still needs to pass a late fitness test if he is to feature at the Parc des Princes.
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"We will decide tomorrow," Arteta said of Timber's chances of playing, before adding on Calafiori: "He’s trained and is fit and ready to play if we need him."
Arteta is under no illusions as to the task his side is facing in the City of Lights. But he is adamant that his side have enough quality to turn the tie on its head.
"We are here to make history," he added. "One win away from being in the final. Let's do the talking on the pitch. The result brings a lot of clairty what both teams have to do, for us it's even clearer. Being better than them. We know what we can do, in moments apart from the first 15 minutes."
PSG have received their own major injury boost, with star attacker Ousmane Dembele fit to start. Dembele scored the only goal of the first leg before being forced off with injury, but Enrique has now seen him return to his squad.
"He's been training with the group for two days. I have him at my disposal tomorrow," Enrique said. "I'm not using anything in particular, it's about experiencing a particular date, which will be tomorrow's match.
"I think that's the state of mind the team must have, we deserved it. We have to play this return match and win it. I don't think there's a single line in the team that's superior to the other, I think that's the great success of this PSG.
"We're not a calculating team. We try to repeat the same match mechanism. It's not easy to do, it requires a very clear mindset and principles. The match will be difficult tomorrow. It's complicated on paper, but we'll try to repeat what we've done since day one. With the quality I have, I see that as an advantage.
"We're bound to suffer because our opponents don't have a favorable result. We need to match our performance as closely as possible in the first leg to win the return leg and stay true to our ideas."
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