Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that a key player could be sidelined for their vital UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
The Gunners suffered their first-ever home loss to the Cherries at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, surrendering a 1-0 lead and allowing Bournemouth to stage a memorable comeback
The result not only dents Arsenal’s domestic momentum but also comes at the worst possible time as they prepare to travel to Paris needing to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg. Arteta opted to field a near full-strength lineup despite the looming Champions League clash, showing intent to stay competitive in the Premier League.
His approach appeared to pay off early when Declan Rice marked his 100th appearance for the club by opening the scoring. The England midfielder coolly finished after connecting with a clever through ball from Martin Odegaard. But Arsenal’s recurring problem of failing to build on a lead reared its head once again. In the second half, Andoni Iraola’s side began to grow in confidence. The equaliser came via a powerful header from Dean Huijsen after a long throw-in from Antoine Semenyo, a player rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar.
