Thomas Partey will miss Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG after a booking that initially flew under the radar. The yellow card shown late in the second leg against Real Madrid — his third in the competition — triggered an automatic one-game suspension.
The moment itself went unnoticed by many viewers, as TV coverage failed to properly capture the incident. However, newly surfaced footage reveals that Partey received his yellow for shoving Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos to the ground during a break in play at the Bernabeu.
The clash occurred in the 85th minute, shortly after Antonio Rudiger was booked for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino. As Partey approached to retrieve the ball — which was at Ceballos’ feet — the Spaniard cheekily nudged it away. The Ghanaian reacted angrily, pushing Ceballos to the ground in front of referee Francois Letexier, earning a needless booking that now costs him dearly.
Arsenal fan and social media personality Rory Cook shared the footage on X, confirming the reason behind Partey’s absence for the crucial tie at the Emirates on April 29.
Mikel Arteta now faces a major midfield dilemma. Partey had been integral to Arsenal’s progression, playing every minute across both legs against Real. Without him, Arteta will have to adjust his lineup significantly.
Declan Rice, who has thrived in a more advanced role recently, may be forced to drop deeper into a holding position. The Gunners were also hoping Jorginho could step in, but the Italian is nursing a rib injury.
That situation might push Arteta to reposition Mikel Merino from his makeshift striker role back into midfield, potentially allowing Leandro Trossard to start up front.
Partey’s absence adds to Arsenal’s challenges as they prepare for one of their biggest matches in recent history — a semi-final against a formidable PSG side — with a reshuffled engine room and limited options.