According to Football.London, Emile Smith-Rowe, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard could all return when Arsenal face Olympiacos this evening in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
The Gunners could possess a full squad to choose from with no fresh injury concerns of late. A welcomed selection headache for Mikel Arteta to have.
Emile Smith-Rowe, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard News: Arsenal Injury Updates
Smith-Rowe Could Return
The 19-year-old has put in some scintillating performances in an Arsenal shirt since returning from a loan spell with Huddersfield Town, demonstrating to Arteta that he is ready for the challenges that come with starring for a club with Arsenal’s stature.
The highly-rated attack-minded midfielder was expected to miss a larger chunk of the season after sustaining a hip injury almost two weeks ago. However, he has been back training this week and will be in contention for Arsenal’s trip to Greece.
Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard Also Available
Partey and Odegaard were both substituted off during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Burnley. Arteta has since confirmed that the changes were purely tactical and they could both start at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Injury has prevented the former from getting a decent run of games this season but he has shown plenty of promise. Odegaard has enjoyed a more consistent start to life in North London and will be hoping to cement a starting spot in what remains of the season.
All Eyes on the Europa League
Domestically speaking, Arsenal sit in 10th, seven points off Tottenham Hotspur in seventh, with their European ambitions seemingly riding on success in the competition this time around.
Tonight’s Greek opponents were the team that dumped them out of the competition last campaign, placing an even higher importance on progressing.
It seems Arteta will field his strongest possible lineup against Olympiacos, despite the North London derby just a few days away.
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