Mikel Arteta has revealed that the coaching staff have advised him to leave out one big-name player for the PSG clash. He admits it will be one of the toughest decisions of his season and hopes it won’t backfire. He also confirmed it’s neither Martinelli nor Saka.

BREAKING NEWS: Arteta Set to Drop One Big Name Ahead of PSG Clash — Not Martinelli, Not Saka!

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent shockwaves through the Gunners’ fanbase after confirming that one of his star players will be left out of the starting lineup for their crucial UEFA Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking to reporters earlier today, Arteta revealed that the coaching staff has recommended he bench a top player — a decision he describes as one of the toughest of his managerial career.

“The coaching staff have suggested that I should drop him against PSG,” Arteta admitted. “This is going to be a huge decision that I’m going to make this season and I hope I won’t regret it later.”

While Arteta chose not to reveal the player’s identity, he was quick to assure fans that both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka would retain their places in the starting lineup. That revelation has only fueled speculation among supporters about which big name will be sacrificed for the blockbuster tie in Paris.

Rumors are swirling around several first-team stars, with many fans pointing fingers at experienced players like Kai Havertz or even captain Martin Ødegaard, although nothing has been officially confirmed. The decision is believed to be tactical, with the coaching team analyzing PSG’s pace and attacking threat, potentially prompting a reshuffle in the midfield or defensive line.

Supporters have taken to social media to express a mix of anxiety and cautious optimism. Some fear that dropping a key player at such a critical stage of the competition could backfire, while others trust Arteta’s tactical nous and believe the move could be a masterstroke.

“I hope we won’t regret this later,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the sentiment of many in the Arsenal faithful.

The Gunners, who have been impressive in both domestic and European competitions this season, face a high-pressure encounter against a PSG side brimming with attacking talent. Every decision in the starting XI could make the difference between progressing to the next round or facing an early exit.

Arteta’s full lineup will be announced an hour before kickoff — and all eyes will be on the team sheet to see who the surprise omission will be.