According to Joe Doyle and George Smith of Football.London, the latest Arsenal injury news is a lot more positive than in recent weeks.
Arsenal will be striving to secure a place in the Europa League semi-finals in Thursday’s night second-leg clash with Slavia Prague. The Gunners travel to Czech Republic’s capital after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, so it is all still to play for.
Nicolas Pepe‘s 86th-minute strike seemingly won the tie for the North London club, but they were condemned by a leveller deep into stoppage time, when Slavia’s right-back Thomas Holes, nodded in from close range.
There is no denying that Thursday is an increasingly important occasion for the Gunners, whose European ambitions lie predominantly on winning this competition.
Arsenal Injury News: Squad Update Ahead of Slavia Prague Quarter-Final Clash
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe
Bukayo Saka was forced off in the 70th minute against Sheffield United after feeling some discomfort in his thigh. The 19-year-old has been integral to Mikel Arteta‘s team this year and is a player he would certainly want fit for a game of this magnitude.
Arsenal have since confirmed that Saka has been back in full training and will be in contention for a starting place come Thursday.
Martin Odegaard has missed Arsenal’s last two fixtures with an ankle injury – an issue he picked up on international duty. The Real Madrid loanee faced a late fitness test for their 3-0 victory over Sheffield United last weekend, and although he did not feature, it provides hope that he may play a part on Thursday.
Question marks also remain over Emile Smith Rowe’s fitness. Like his attacking midfield counterpart, Smith Rowe has also suffered with a recent ankle injury. But, the exciting prospect has returned to training and will be available for selection.
Gabriel Martinelli and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Another victim of an ankle injury was Gabriel Martinelli when he twisted his ankle against The Blades. However, he confirmed to the club’s website that he will be ready, should he be called upon Thursday’s clash.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be assessed before the squad travel to Slavia Prague. The Gabonese star was forced to miss Arsenal’s trip to South Yorkshire last weekend due to illness.
Other Arsenal Injury News
David Luiz is one player who is definitely ruled out of the fixture. The Brazilian underwent minor knee surgery earlier in the month but is recovering well.
Also sidelined for the second-leg tie in Prague is Kieran Tierney. The Scotland international will not undergo surgery, but he may miss the rest of the season.
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