Odegaard, Luiz, Tierney: Latest Arsenal team news and injury updates ahead of Slavia Prague tie



Arsenal will be looking to put one foot in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League when they welcome Slavia Prague to the Emirates Stadium this evening for the first-leg of their quarter-final showdown.

The Gunners, who were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool on Saturday evening, edged into the last-eight after getting the better of Greek outfit Olympiacos last month, winning their last-16 tie 3-2 on aggregate.

But since Arsenal defeated the Greek side 3-1 in the first-leg, they have failed to win any of their last three matches, meaning they are under a sense of pressure ahead of tonight’s game in north London.

However, after back-to-back disappointing results in the Premier League, the Gunners have the opportunity to get themselves back on track this evening in European action as they face Prague.

But although Arsenal will fancy their chances of getting the better of the Czech heavyweights, the Gunners have no shortage of injury concerns to contend with ahead of kick-off.

With that said, here is a round-up of all the very latest Arsenal injury news in one place.

David Luiz

Brazilian centre-back Luiz is set for a spell on the sidelines after successfully undergoing minor knee surgery on Sunday.

The former Chelsea man was absent from the match-day squad against Liverpool at the weekend but had played the full 90 minutes of the Gunners’ thrilling 3-3 draw with West Ham United prior to the international break.

He is set to be sidelined for a few weeks whilst he recovers from the procedure.

A statement released by the Gunners read: “The procedure has been a success and David is now back at home rehabilitating.

“He will be able to return to daily support and recovery with our medical team at the training centre in the coming days.

“David is expected to be back to full fitness and available for selection in the upcoming weeks.”

Kieran Tierney

Just like Luiz, Tierney will also miss tonight’s Europa League clash because of a knee injury, but his has been deemed more serious than his team-mate’s, unfortunately.

After being forced off during the weekend’s clash with Liverpool, the Gunners have been forced to confirm that the Scotland international may not play again this season in the worst case scenario.

He has suffered ligament damage and will miss around six weeks worth of action.

Issuing an update on the defender, who will not require surgery, the club said: “Kieran sustained ligament damage to his left knee during Saturday’s match against Liverpool.

“Surgery will not be required and it’s hoped that Kieran will be back in full training within four to six weeks.”

Martin Odegaard

Whilst Arteta has been rocked by the loss of two of his most important defenders ahead of tonight’s quarter-final first-leg, he may also be without one of his most valued attackers as well in the shape of Odegaard.

The Real Madrid loanee, who has been in fine form in recent weeks, is in danger of missing tonight’s game because of an ankle problem.

Despite playing the full 90 minutes against Liverpool on Saturday, the attacking-midfielder rolled his ankle whilst on international duty with Norway.

Now, it has emerged that he has suffered another ankle problem, meaning he is likely to face a late fitness test ahead of this evening’s game.

The summer transfer window is just around the corner.

And the rumour mill is already starting to pick up speed.

Arsenal will not have a huge amount of money to spend, but Mikel Arteta will be hoping to make a number of moves, with loanee Martin Odegaard high up the list of priorities to bring in on a permanent deal.

But who would you sign? Get involved in our transfer window debate here.

Speaking on Wednesday, Gunners chief Mikel Arteta said: “We will assess him today [Wednesday] on how he’s feeling.

“He’s been carrying an injury for the last few days since he got injured with the national team. We have a few of them for the last game when we played Liverpool as well.

“So, it will be today [Wednesday], probably the day when we see where everybody is at and who is available for tomorrow.”

Elsewhere, Granit Xhaka, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka are all available for selection after overcoming injury complaints.





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