After settling for a 2-2 draw against Watford in the Premier League at the weekend, Arsenal are now set to turn their attention to the Europa League and a trip to Commerzbank Arena to face Eintracht Frankfurt is likely to be a real test of their credentials.
The Gunners lost to London rivals Chelsea in the finals of the Europa League last season but they will be looking to start their European campaign on a high this time around when they make the trip to Frankfurt on Matchday 1.
Eintracht Frankfurt have lost star attackers Ante Rebic, Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller since their defeat at the hands of Chelsea in last year’s semi-finals but they are expected to be Arsenal’s toughest opposition in Group F that also features Belgian giants Standard Liege and Portuguese outfit Vitoria SC.
Alexandre Lacazette (ankle), Hector Bellerin (knee), Kieran Tierney (groin) and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all ruled out but Rob Holding is in line for a return to the first-team after a spell of nine months on the sidelines.
Unai Emery is expected to rotate his squad for the Europa League fixture on Thursday and the fans can look forward to a few changes to the eleven that drew 2-2 against Watford.
The Argentinian has struggled for regular minutes over the course of his stay at the Emirates but he is likely to get a start for this one, having been offered assurances over his status as the cup goalkeeper.
The former Southampton man has featured in the matchday squads for the Premier League games without making an appearance but Emery might just opt to rest Ainsley Maitland-Niles and give him a go on Thursday.
The German international has lost his place in the side to David Luiz but he is likely to make a return to the playing eleven against Frankfurt.
The Englishman might make a much-awaited return to action following a long spell on the sidelines and it will be interesting to see how Emery eases him back into the first-team fold.
He is currently the only choice for Emery at left-back and the manager is unlikely to rest him for the trip to Germany.
The Uruguayan should be fresh and ready to start on Thursday after playing a cameo off the bench against Watford in the previous outing.
The academy graduate has really come of age this term and he will be looking forward to a bigger role in the Europa League after featuring sporadically the last time.
The youngster struggled in the 2-2 draw at Watford but he has made a positive start to the campaign and will be expected to continue in a starting role.
The Ivorian is yet to grab his first goal for the Gunners and the Europa League might be the perfect stage for him to hit the ground running at his new club.
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The youngster came off the bench against Watford but he is likely to be amongst the starters for the mid-week fixture.
With Lacazette out injured, Arsenal will continue to rely on the prolific Gabonese to propel them to a victory on Matchday 1 of the Europa League.
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