Mikel Merino spotted in Arsenal training as Mikel Arteta given major Champions League boost

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their Champions League clash with PSG

Mikel Merino has been spotted in Arsenal training ahead of the Gunners' clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel Arteta's side will lock horns with the French giants at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening as they look to secure their first win of the new-look campaign.

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw against Atalanta on the opening week of the competition, while the Parisians enjoyed a 1-0 win over Girona. Merino, who suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session after joining the north Londoners from Real Sociedad in the summer, was involved in first-team preparations at London Colney on Monday afternoon.

However, the 28-year-old midfielder remains a doubt. football.london spotted Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori in training too as they close in on returns from the treatment room.

There was no sign of Ben White, though. Speaking to reporters ahead of the bout against PSG, Arteta revealed that a few players are under review. The Spaniard said: "No big news. We have a training session this afternoon. We have to review a few players. Overall in terms of returning players nothing to give back."

Then, when pushed for an answer on White and Calafiori, the Arsenal boss kept his cards close to his chest. He said: "Those are the two players that are in contention and we have to review today."

On the latter, Arteta added: "We didn't do any training session yesterday. He was a bit emotional after the game. Let's see how he is today."

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Later in the pre-match press conference, the Gunners head coach was quizzed on the qualities that Jurrien Timber and Calafiori bring to the table. Arteta said: "We missed Jurrien 11 months and Riccy wasn't here.

"They are two players that have the football brain, the intelligence, the courage, the quality and adaptability to occupy different spaces attacking and defending. That gives the team a different dynamic and makes us unpredictable for the opponent to defend. And they’re both huge personalities which I love."

On what he likes most about the Italy international, the Spaniard said: "How willing he is. When I spoke to him on the phone for the very first time he wanted to come here. He understood what we wanted. And he felt like he was going to be a perfect fit and he is.

"He landed with the biggest smile on his face and he has got this energy and aura around him that is very likeable. He is a fighter and plays the way we want to play and he will do anything for the team so when you have those qualities a lot of things have to be wrong not to succeed.

"We try to give the players the best possible environment for them and for their families. He appreciates the efforts that every member of staff has made and he is enjoying it."

This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...

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