Mikel Arteta has wildcard Thomas Partey replacement option for PSG after Arsenal suspension blow

Arsenal pulled off one of the most impressive European feats in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, knocking out the holders Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate and winning on the night in the Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite holding out and looking relatively comfortable with the time that remained, Thomas Partey was caught in a clash with Antonio Rudiger.

After getting a light push from the German, the Arsenal midfielder forcefully pushed the Real Madrid defender to the ground. Immediately, it was apparent the impact this would have – even Declan Rice looked visibly irritated with his midfield partner.

Many expect Declan Rice to move to the six, Mikel Merino to the eight and Leandro Trossard to the nine.

However, why chance three players when you can change just one? Mikel Arteta is a fan of limiting the number of parts he has to change to make do with players being absent.

The return of Ben White to fitness offers Arteta something different to try. Not the England international in midfield, no, but the man he will replace in the team, Jurrien Timber.

The Dutch international is one of the leading candidates to receive the player of the season award at the club after finally breaking into the side, having missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury. Playing right-back, centre-back and left-back, Timber has operated all over the field.

It could be that with White back, he moves to right-back and Timber moves into the number six position. His twin brother, Quentin Timber, currently plays in midfield for Feyenoord.

This is quite the shift, but Timber has shown brilliant technical skill, physical prowess and all the attributes that could make a good defensive midfielder. Arsenal have two league games before hosting PSG against Ipswich Town (A) and Crystal Palace (H), which could be used to practice the plan for the Parisien’s arrival.