Arsenal sent huge PSG Champions League semi-final injury update after key player absence
by Mark Wakefield · football.londonParis Saint-Germain have been handed a major fitness boost ahead of the Champions League clash against Arsenal on the horizon.
The Gunners will take on the Ligue 1 outfit in the semi-final of the Champions League, with the first leg taking place later this month.
Mikel Arteta's side will host PSG at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday, before going to the Parc des Princes for the reverse fixture a little over a week later on May 7.
PSG will hope to have centre-back Willian Pacho available for the clash against Arsenal, with the defender missing the Ligue 1 win over Le Havre at the weekend due to illness.
Pacho played a key role in helping PSG beat Brest, Liverpool and Aston Villa on their run to the Champions League semi-final.
PSG boss Luis Enrique confirmed in a press conference on Monday that Pacho is expected to be available for their next match, which sees them face Nantes on Tuesday night in Ligue 1, according to French outlet L'Equipe.
Without Pacho available, Enrique selected Lucas Berlado and Lucas Hernandez at centre-back for the win over Le Havre at the weekend. Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery was selected at left-back in place of Hernandez, who was picked to play at the heart of the defence while Pacho was unavailable.
Marquinhos, another centre-back option for PSG, was left on the bench for the Ligue 1 fixture on Saturday. It remains to be seen which defence Enrique will select with the double-header against Arsenal on the horizon.
Arsenal will be without at least two defensive options when they take on PSG, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu both ruled out for the remainder of the season. Riccardo Calafiori is also on the sidelines but could return in time to feature against PSG.
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