Football Merino in fitness race to make Arsenal's big game with PSG

MIKEL Arteta cast doubt over Mikel Merino’s availability for Arsenal's Champions League semi-final after their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace which puts Liverpool on the brink of the title.

- Philip DUNCAN

Liverpool need to secure only a draw against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday to be crowned Premier League champions after Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta scored with seven minutes remaining at the Emirates.

Merino, pictured, has played as a makeshift forward in the past months following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, but he had been expected to revert to midfield for the visit of Paris St Germain with Thomas Partey suspended.

However, when asked if Merino and Ben White, also absent from Arsenal's squad, would be fit to face PSG on Tuesday, Arteta said: “We will have to wait and see as they were not able to be in the squad here.”