PSG manager Unai Emery has named his 18-man squad for the visit of Arsenal tonight, and there is one very notable omission.
Hatem Ben Arfa in action against Monaco
In a few days which has seen Mario Balotelli begin his attempt to revive his career at OGC Nice, a player who succeeded in doing just that has seen his career take a turn in the opposite direction.
Hatem Ben Arfa was a revelation for Nice last season, after a couple of dreadful seasons at Newcastle United and Hull City.
So good was the skilful Frenchman’s form, he battled his way back into the French national team and joined French giants PSG in the summer.
Ben Arfa joined PSG in the summer
However, as is so often the case with Ben Arfa, things have not gone exactly to plan, now having been dropped ahead of PSG’s clash with Arsenal.
The reasons for Ben Arfa’s omission from PSG’s 18-man squad remains unclear, although Ben Arfa has a track record of ill-discipline and falling out with coaches.
It could just be that Unai Emery doesn’t feel Ben Arfa is in the best form, but until answers are given, when Ben Arfa is concerned, speculation will be rife.
New PSG manager Unai Emery brought in Ben Arfa
Many people were surprised when PSG brought in Ben Arfa following the appointment of former Sevilla boss Unai Emery.
Despite Ben Arfa having had a fine season and being available on a free transfer, the three-time Europa League winner is something of a disciplinarian who demands a great deal from his players.
For that reason, the signing of Ben Arfa seemed an unusual one. Widely regarded as one of the most gifted, mercurial and ill-disciplined talents within the game.
Hatem Ben Arfa played in the Premier League for Newcastle United and Hull City
Ben Arfa is a player well-known to English football fans, following his dazzling performances in 2011/12 which helped Newcastle to a fifth place finish in the Premier League.
The Frenchman is similarly well-known for the demise which followed, falling out with Newcastle manager Alan Pardew before being loaned out to Hull City in his final season with the club.
Ben Arfa’s time at Hull was similarly unhappy for both player and club, culminating with Steve Bruce subbing the player in the first half against Manchester United in his final appearance.
Ben Arfa playing for Hull City on-loan from Newcastle United
In December 2014, Ben Arfa unexpectedly left England, with Hull City manager Steve Bruce admitting he did not know where the player was.
A month later, he had left Hull and had his contract terminated with Newcastle, allowing him to join Nice on a free transfer, although FIFA wouldn’t allow him to play for the club until the following season.
Ben Arfa was superb for OGC Nice
PSG face Arsenal tonight, and Arsene Wenger will be hoping Ben Arfa’s omission is evidence of further discord within the PSG ranks.
Unai Emery’s side are actually in rather poor early season form, by PSG’s recent standards at least, having lost to Monaco and drawing with Saint-Etienne in their last two games.
Arsenal haven’t been entirely convincing themselves this season but have at least put together back-to-back wins in their last two games. Both Arsenal and PSG currently find themselves in 7th place in their domestic leagues.
Who will win tonight between Arsenal and PSG?
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