Arsenal are facing a potential selection dilemma at right-back as they prepare for the Champions League final, with club legend Ray Parlour admitting to GOAL that it is a “worry” given the challenge posed by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The North London side are set to take on defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, and questions remain about how they can strengthen their defence to contain one of the world’s most dangerous wingers.

Arsenal chasing history with Champions League glory in sight

Mikel Arteta is entering a defining period of his managerial career at Arsenal, with two major trophies still within reach. The Gunners are in contention for both the Premier League and the Champions League, as the season reaches its decisive stretch at the Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League leaders are seeking their first title since the historic 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ season. With only two league matches remaining, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola continue to apply pressure in the title race.

Once domestic matters are settled, the focus will shift to Europe. Arsenal have never lifted the Champions League trophy, but they now have a golden opportunity to change that narrative in Budapest. However, defeating PSG will be a formidable task.

Arteta’s squad boasts several match-winners, including Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres, but they will face a PSG side packed with talent such as Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Golden Boy contender Desire Doue, and the gifted Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia.

Right-back selection headache for Arsenal ahead of Kvaratskhelia battle

Arsenal’s defensive depth has been tested severely, with Jurrien Timber and Ben White sidelined due to injuries, leaving the team short on options at right-back — a position that could be vital against PSG’s attacking power.

Asked about how Arsenal might deal with Kvaratskhelia, Parlour — speaking to GOAL on behalf of 10bet — said: “He’s, for me, one of the best players I’ve seen in a long time. He’s fantastic — the way he cuts inside, his control, his movement. That’s definitely a bit of a worry.”

Parlour added, “I’m not sure how long Timber has been out. It’s been quite a while. Whether he can be thrown straight back in, I don’t know, because when you’ve missed so many games through injury, it’s very difficult to return and immediately perform at your best. That’s going to be a major concern for Arteta, no doubt.”

He continued, “Whoever plays there will have to give everything. As a right-back, you won’t be pushing forward much — you’ll have to be more defensively focused because of what Kvaratskhelia can do. I don’t think we’ll see the full-backs making overlapping runs as usual.”

“I expect a more disciplined back four, ensuring that the attacking players ahead of them take the initiative, while the defenders maintain their shape and avoid being caught out of position. PSG are lethal on the counterattack, and Arteta will be very aware of that heading into this game.”

Arteta confident but cautious before Champions League showdown

Arteta remains tight-lipped regarding his tactical plans and player selection ahead of the final. The Arsenal manager has maintained a positive tone, choosing not to reveal any details about his preferred lineup.

When questioned about the right-back situation with PSG approaching, Arteta commented: “We need to explore our alternatives. The two players who usually play there are unavailable right now, so we have to look at other options and adapt.”

He added, “The good thing is that we’ve faced similar challenges across the pitch this season. Whenever we’ve had injury issues, they’ve often been in the same positions, but we’ve managed to maintain performance levels and consistency. I’m confident we’ll do the same again.”

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures: Two Premier League games before the final

Before turning their attention to Kvaratskhelia and PSG, Arsenal must first take care of business in the Premier League, with matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace still to come. They host Burnley at the Emirates on Monday, followed by a trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Securing maximum points from those two fixtures would clinch Arsenal’s first league title in 22 years, boosting morale and confidence ahead of the Champions League final against the French champions at the Puskas Arena — a night that could mark one of the most historic moments in the club’s modern era.