Arsenal will miss Partey’s physical presence, which was an asset when they beat PSG in October, and Merino will need to live up to his nickname of the ‘Duel Monster’ to stop Joao Neves and Vitinha running the show. The midfield battle will be key, but not as intriguing as the one out wide.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is urging his players to believe they can win the Champions League for the first time because they have already beaten “the best opposition you can face in the competition.