Mikel Arteta's options for Tuesday's huge Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain have been boosted with the news that Mikel Merino and Ben White are both available for selection.
The duo missed last week's game against Crystal Palace but were back amongst the squad training at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in front of the cameras the day before our first final-four clash in the competition since 2009, meaning Arteta has plenty of choices to consider in defence, midfield and attack heading into the game against the French champions.
Merino has netted in three of his last four home appearances at Emirates Stadium so his return is hugely beneficial, especially with Thomas Partey serving a suspension after he picked up his third booking of the competition in our epic 2-1 win at Real Madrid a fortnight ago. White's presence is also important given that Artete confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori is still out with a knee injury picked up on international duty last month.
"Ben White and Mikel Merino were able to train and we will see if they are able to start tomorrow," Mikel said in his pre-match press conference. "Riccardo Calafiori is still not fit. We know that we lost Thomas Partey unfortunately very late in the game against Real Madrid [to suspension]."
Whoever gets the nod to feature in north London, the boss has challenged them to hit their highest levels, just as they did in both legs against the holders Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Having seen his squad up close in training over the past few days, Arteta feels that they're ready to do just that, and wants them to embrace the challenge of performing on the biggest stage with the world watching and waiting to see if this is finally the year that we get our hands on the Champions League trophy.
"I think the individuals have to step up in these moments," he added. "It's a game for big players to stand out and make a difference.
"We have to have the feeling that we have to hold them back tomorrow to go on that pitch and express themselves. This is a moment now to say: 'OK, this is who we are, this is who we are as a team, this is who I am as an individual and I'm going to put my very best in there to make it happen.' Play with that mindset and let yourself go. Everything now is about where are the limits, and how far do I want to go?
"We are so fortunate. We put so much into it to be in the position that we are. We earn it with our work and our enthusiasm because we faced a lot of challenges and we managed to compete at the highest level for 10 months. So we earn it now. Be present and live the moment. It's a beautiful moment. Let's live it and let's enjoy it."
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