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Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Benfica

Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of Thursday's Europa League last-32 clash with Benfica.

Arsenal will be aiming to carry the momentum over from their thrilling victory over Leeds United when they travel to Rome to take on Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

The Gunners could not break down a dogged Leeds defence at Elland Road earlier in the campaign, but they struck four times in a dominant performance to run out 4-2 winners on Sunday evening.

Mikel Arteta's men boast a 100% record so far in this season's competition with six wins from six in Group B, and the Europa League arguably represents their best chance to return to the Champions League given their slim top-four prospects.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's injury and suspension news ahead of the first leg.


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick on February 14, 2021© Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: February 18 (vs. Benfica)

Arsenal's hat-trick hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went down clutching his ankle in the dying embers of Sunday's win, but he was in good spirits and appeared to be moving fine after the game, so Arteta expects to have him available on Thursday.


Thomas Partey

Arsenal's Thomas Partey in action against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on October 22, 2020© Reuters

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: February 18 (vs. Benfica)

Thomas Partey's injury-plagued start to life in North London continued as he was forced off with a hamstring problem against Aston Villa, and he played no part against Leeds. Arteta has since conceded that the midfielder's chances of returning this week are "unlikely".


Kieran Tierney

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney pictured in January 2021© Reuters

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Calf
Possible return date: February 18 (vs. Benfica)

Kieran Tierney has now missed the Gunners' last six matches due to a calf problem, but the left-back is now being put through his paces in training. Arteta has also labelled his chances of a midweek return "unlikely" but he is in a better position with his recovery than Partey is.


ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Arsenal have no suspension concerns for the first leg.


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How you voted: Benfica vs Arsenal

Benfica
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Draw
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Arsenal
65.8%
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Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney pictured in January 2021
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