Arsenal have a big fight ahead of them as they are set to face PSG in the Champions League semi-final next week. The Gunners pulled off an impressive 5-1 win on aggregate against Real Madrid to ensure qualification for the first time in 16 seasons.
Arsenal also have a Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 23, at Emirates Stadium. The upcoming Champions League semi-final can arguably be considered the Gunners’ most crucial fixture of the season so far, as it could pave the way to the first-ever Champions League title in the club’s history.
Arsenal are currently standing second in the Premier League table with 66 points, while Crystal Palace are 12th with 44 points after each playing 33 matches.
Given the magnitude of the upcoming Champions League match, Arsenal are anticipated to rotate players against Crystal Palace to rest and avoid injuries.
However, the Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta appears to be more willing to balance the risk.
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What did Mikel Arteta say about player rotation ahead of Champions League semi-final against PSG?
During his pre-match press conference against Crystal Palace, Arteta was asked about the urge to rest key players ahead of the Champions League semi-final against PSG by reporters. The Spanish manager dismissed the idea by claiming that if the players are fit and willing, they will be included in the squad.
“We cannot think in those terms. I think when the players are fit and they are available and they want to play, they have to play. And they are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances. And physically they are good, emotionally they are good, their understanding and their rhythm and the way they make decisions is at their best. And that’s why we need the players.
“If they are not available, there’s no discussion. And if they are not in good condition to perform, we’re not going to play them. And if they are, we are going to play them,” Arteta added.
When asked about the potential risk of injuries in Wednesday’s match, Arteta summed it up as a part of calculative risk in the game.
“There’s always a balance. And obviously you want to balance the risk and make sure that you are sensible with your decision making. But that’s what we have as well. Our very top staff to guide us and to tell us what we should be doing and what the risks are when we do that,” said Arteta.
“But unfortunately in football, you know, anything can happen. And the game starts when the game finishes, to write the story of what should have happened, you know, and that’s easy. So do it before,” he concluded.
Arsenal will be locking horns with PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on April 29, at Emirates Stadium.
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