The Paris Saint-Germain full-back has been refused entry into the UK.
Arsenal have been given an unexpected boost ahead of their crunch UEFA Champions League Group A meeting with Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
With the news that full-back Serge Aurier has been refused permission to enter the country, as reported by the BBC. The Gunners will face a weakened side on match-day five. But how might the Ivorian’s absence affect the dynamic of Unai Emery’s men?
Since making the switch from Toulouse in 2015, Aurier has made just 26 appearances for Les Parisiens but nevertheless he has been key member of the PSG setup.
In particular back in September at the Parc des Princes in their first meeting with Arsenal, when the 23-year-old was awarded Man of the Match after crossing for Edinson Cavani’s opener, as the two sides drew 1-1 in Paris.
The French champions have lost just twice this term – one less than Arsene Wenger’s men – albeit both on the road. Aurier has started 11 of 17 games this season under his new boss, including the weekend’s 2-0 win against Nantes.
With the Ivory Coast international absent for the trip to North London, there are two realistic men to take his spot.
The main candidate is Thomas Meunier. Intriguingly, in the seven games the Belgian international has played for Emery, PSG have been undefeated.
Emery is unlikely to change his shape versus Arsenal, but the Spaniard could instead bring in defender Marquinhos.
Since David Luiz’s return to Stamford Bridge the Brazilian has become an out-an-out starter in the French capital, partnering compatriot Thiago Silva.
Were Marquinhos to switch to the right, Presnel Kimpembe could be installed at centre-back. A lack of big-match football is however unlikely for such an eventuality to occur.
Assuming Meunier does start, Lucas Moura could again be deployed across from his more accustomed berth on the left of a front three. That would leave Ángel di Maria to work backwards to pick up the ball from Meunier.
The two operated successfully together during their last Champions League game versus Basel at St-Jakob Park, so the absence of Aurier is perhaps not so keenly felt here.
Aurier however is perhaps one of the most tenacious tacklers among full-backs anywhere.
Meunier will already have his work cut out trying to hold off the likes of Mesut Özil and Alex Iwobi, but the likely midfield trio of Blaise Matuidi, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta will also be reliant on the 25-year-old Belgian to play out from the back.
Pace is a key ingredient in this PSG side and minus Aurier the Parisians may be more reserved in their approach in North London on Wednesday, which could be detrimental to their progress as group winners.
With Arsenal’s superior goal-difference by three, a draw in the capital will leave Paris Saint-Germain needing to beat Ludogorets at home by more than that amount.
That could prompt a more attacking approach against the Gunners. A measure which could leave PSG with gaps for Wenger’s men to utilise.
As North London is set for a Group A showdown where the winner tops the group, there are fascinating battles across the pitch; Matuidi vs. Coquelin; Silva vs. Sanchez; Jenkinson vs. Lucas.
With Aurier missing out however, it is unclear whether his absence will yet hinder or aide his side, with Arsenal waiting to pounce.
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