Arsenal handed new injury concern for PSG clash after Crystal Palace draw

Mikel Arteta has cast doubts over Mikel Merino's availability for 's crucial Champions League semi-final against PSG following their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. The drawn match puts Liverpool tantalisingly close to clinching the Premier League title. They need just a draw in their upcoming game against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday to become champions, thanks to a late goal from Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta at the Emirates.

Merino, who stepped into a forward role due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, was expected to move back to midfield for the PSG clash with Partey suspended. However, Arteta, after the Crystal Palace game, left fans anxious by saying: "We will have to wait and see as they were not able to be in the squad here."

While he didn't specify the reasons for Merino and Ben White's absence from the squad, Arteta is hoping Merino can play, especially with Jorginho potentially out for the season. Arsenal's shot at the league title has been thwarted by numerous injuries but they avoided giving Liverpool the satisfaction of securing the trophy without playing, as they led early on with a goal from Jakub Kiwior.

Arteta expressed his disappointment after the draw: "I am disappointed with the result and the performance. We did not have the consistency to dominate the game. Yes, we were ahead twice, but we didn't grab the game and control it in the way we would normally do because we were below the standards.

"Hopefully the PSG match was not in their minds. We discussed that before (the 4-0 victory at) Ipswich, and it wasn't there. We still have six days to prepare for that match.

"We missed some players, and a lot of players that have not trained, were not able to do so today so we were very short. We haven't been able to see the games off for many reasons. It's something that we have done much better in the past.

"You have to win a certain amount of games (to win the league). We have only lost three games - two of them with 10 men - but we have to win many more."

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised his team's resilience following recent setbacks: "It was an excellent performance. When you have conceded 10 goals in the last two away games, and go one down very early on, it is a difficult situation."

The Eagles now turn their attention to an FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa on Saturday: "But we didn't lose our heads, and we created so many chances. I am very proud of the players and how they performed."