Arsenal have welcomed back Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey into their starting XI for their crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Partey, who missed the first leg due to suspension, returns to midfield as Mikel Arteta opts for a powerful and dynamic trio, with Declan Rice and teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly also starting.
Martin Ødegaard captains the side, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli provide width in attack, supporting Mikel Merino.
Partey’s return is a major boost for the Gunners, who trail 1-0 from the first leg after an early strike from Ousmane Dembélé.
The Ghana international brings composure, experience, and defensive security to a midfield that sorely missed his presence in the opening leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta has maintained consistency at the back, with Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior flanking William Saliba in defense ahead of goalkeeper David Raya.
Partey’s return gives Arsenal much-needed balance and grit as they push for their first Champions League final appearance since 2006.
Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique has surprisingly named Ousmane Dembélé on the bench. The French winger, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, has been recovering from a muscle injury and is deemed fit enough for a potential impact role later in the game.
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