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Arsenal are entering a critical stretch in their season, with their eyes on both domestic and European glory.
After securing a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals—marking their first semi-final appearance in 16 years—the Gunners are now preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes showdown that could potentially lead them to their first-ever Champions League title.
Before that, however, they face a midweek Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, April 23, at the Emirates Stadium. Currently second in the league with 66 points from 33 games, Arsenal are still in the thick of the title race. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace sit 12th with 44 points.
With the PSG clash looming large, many expect Arsenal to rotate their squad against Palace to minimize fatigue and avoid injuries to key players. Despite that, manager Mikel Arteta reportedly aims to strike a balance between maintaining momentum and preserving his squad’s fitness, rather than heavily resting his starting XI.
This week may well define Arsenal’s season: a strong result against Crystal Palace keeps their domestic ambitions alive, while next week’s Champions League semi-final could put them on the verge of European history.
What did Mikel Arteta say about player rotation ahead of the Champions League semi-final against PSG?
Mikel Arteta made it crystal clear in his pre-match press conference that Arsenal won’t be pulling any punches against Crystal Palace, despite the monumental Champions League semi-final looming on the horizon.
When pressed about the possibility of resting key players to preserve them for the PSG clash, Arteta pushed back firmly, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, form, and player readiness:
“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.”
Arteta stressed that consistency and sharpness come from playing regularly—not from sitting on the bench. He acknowledged the importance of physical, emotional, and tactical readiness, reinforcing that only those genuinely fit and prepared would make the cut for the squad.
On the risk of injury ahead of such a pivotal Champions League match, Arteta was realistic but calm:
“There’s always a balance… But unfortunately in football, you know, anything can happen.”
He pointed out that Arsenal’s medical and performance staff play a vital role in guiding these decisions, helping weigh risks without becoming paralyzed by them.
With the first leg against PSG set for April 29 at Emirates Stadium, Arteta’s strategy appears to be keeping his squad razor-sharp, battle-tested, and mentally in the zone—rather than wrapping them in cotton wool.
Translation? Don’t expect a B-team against Crystal Palace. Arteta’s gunning for all fronts, and he’s taking the “play like every match is a final” mantra seriously.