Rio Ferdinand has shared that he will be absent from TNT Sports' broadcast tonight (Wednesday night) as Arsenal travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals. Arsenal visit the Parc des Princes with plenty of work to do if they are to meet Inter Milan in Munich for the May 31 final.

The Gunners trail 1-0 after the first leg, with Ousmane Dembele's early goal proving to be the difference at the Emirates Stadium last week. Mikel Arteta's side will believe in a turnaround, though, having beaten reigning champions Real Madrid home and away in the quarter-finals. Despite the monumental occasion in Paris, TNT Sports won't have their punditry A-team at their disposal.

On Wednesday evening, just over an hour before the build-up was set to go on air, Ferdinand revealed that he would be missing the match.

The Manchester United icon looked in high spirits as he shared an image from a hospital bed, but he didn't disclose the reason for his stay.

He wrote on X: "Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!! Wishing the team all the best — I'll be watching every minute from the iPad!"

Ferdinand is among those convinced that Arsenal can go to PSG and turn the tie around to book their first Champions League final since 2006.

While looking ahead to the mouth-watering second leg on his podcast, Ferdinand explained: "If there is a team who can go to PSG and win, it's Arsenal.

"I don't think it's about ability at this stage, I think it's about mentality and belief. In Bukayo Saka, they've got a matchwinner who can turn the game on its head."

However, Ferdinand insists that the Gunners' mentality has to be spot on as they attempt to overthrow the competition's ultimate entertainers.

"There are positives there, but if the mindset isn't right, they will get smoked, I'm telling you," the 46-year-old added.

"The problem for Arsenal is that PSG are a proper team. I don't think they're invincible, but they've been the best team in the Champions League."

Inter confirmed their place in Munich with a dramatic 4-3 victory against Barcelona at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

The Serie A giants trailed 3-2 (6-5 on aggregate) before Francesco Acerbi's equaliser in the third minute of five added on at the death.

Substitute midfielder Davide Frattesi struck in extra-time without reply, sending Inter to their second Champions League final in three years.