Arsenal team news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney boost
Arsenal have received a huge boost ahead of the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Villarreal as Alexandre Lacazette, Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are all in contention to play.
The trio have all been suffering with fitness issues, but manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Wednesday morning they could feature in Spain on Thursday night.
Defender David Luiz, who has not played since March due to a knee issue, is also understood to be in contention to play.
“They are all in contention, all of them - including Aubameyang, Laca and Kieran. They are all in contention for the game,” said Arteta.
Aubameyang has been suffering with malaria, which he picked up on international duty last month, while Lacazette has recently been nursing a hamstring issue.
Watch: Villarreal v Arsenal - Europa League semi-final preview
Tierney’s recovery is the most remarkable, though, as it was feared his knee injury could force him to miss the Euros when he picked it up against Liverpool on April 3.
“He didn’t need the surgery that at the beginning we were afraid of,” said Arteta.
“Then he has been working like a beast every single day. And I don’t know if he is going to make it tomorrow, but certainly he wants to be as close as possible to that football pitch to give himself the best possible chance.”
Given their poor Premier League position, the pressure is on Arsenal to perform in the Europe League - but Arteta won’t rush players back.
“We do need them because we know that we have some players that are in contention and they are the ones that can make the difference in a big tie like this,” he said.
“But the word risk, I don’t like it. I want to put players on the pitch that can perform and feel secure they can perform. If it is a risk or we are going to take a gamble, I don’t think it is the right game to do it.”
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