Arsenal vs PSG team news: Injury-hit French champions hope Angel Di Maria will make Emirates clash

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James Benge21 November 2016

Paris St Germain coach Unai Emery expects Angel Di Maria to be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Arsenal after withdrawing him as a “precaution” in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Nantes.

However Emery could be without several key players for the trip to the Emirates and a match they cannot afford to lose if they wish to top Group A.

Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore also came off injured at the Parc des Princes in the Ligue 1 game and his hopes of making the Champions League tie appear slimmer as he struggles with a knee injury that French media report could sideline him for up to a fortnight.

French international trio Alphonse Areola (sprained ankle), Layvin Kurzawa (knock) and Adrien Rabiot (thigh) could all be injury absentees on Wednesday, the latter is certain to miss out and could be unavailable for the rest of 2016.

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However Emery is confident that Di Maria, Arsenal’s scourge in the 1-1 draw between the two sides in September, will be available for selection.

“He will be given time to recover but I think he will be in London for the match on Wednesday,” the 45-year-old said.

On the return of Pastore Emery offered a more downbeat assessment, adding: “I believe, I hope, it is a small injury for Pastore, but we will see after the analysis of the doctor.”

The winners of Wednesday’s match will be guaranteed top spot with both Arsenal and PSG having won their three other Champions League games against FC Basel and Ludogorets Razgrad.

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