The Gunners' top two scorers are in contention for Thursday's game, as well as one of their players of the season.

Arsenal are gearing up for a crucial game this Thursday, with the Gunners set to lock horns with Villarreal in the 1st leg of their highly-anticipated Europa League semi-final showdown. The north London giants will take on the Spanish side led by former manager Unai Emery as Arteta aims to steer his club into the final in a bid to salvage the season.

The Emirates Stadium side have struggled in the Premier League this entire campaign, with their only hope of entering the UEFA Champions League – or Europe altogether – being through this tournament. Arteta' side are in need of a huge boost as they enter this tie on the back of two disappointing results, drawing 1-1 with Fulham and losing 1-0 to Everton at home.

Fortunately, they have received that much-needed boost and it comes in the form of team news. Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday's showdown, the Spanish tactician admitted that three key players, who were feared to be out for this game, are in fact in contention.

Those three players are Kieran Tierney, Alexandre Lacazette, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The availability of the latter two will be crucial as Arsenal were left with a toothless attack in the 1-0 loss to Everton in their absence.

The Gabonese forward has been out after contracting malaria, last featuring for the Gunners in their abysmal 3-0 loss to Liverpool. Lacazette, who is the club's top scorer this season, picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with the Cottagers and was thus expected to be sideliined for some time.

"They are all in contention," Arteta said in his pre-match press conference, as per the club's official website. "All of them. Including Aubameyang, Laca and Kieran. They are all in contention for the game. Yes [it is good news]."

The return of Tierney is the most shocking as the Scottish fullback was initially ruled out for the entire season after injuring his knee at home to Liverpool. This was a huge blow as Arsenal do not have a natural left-back to deputize, with Cedric and later Granit Xhaka filling that role.

"He didn't need the surgery that we were afraid of," Mikel said about the former Celtic defender. "He's been working like a beast every single day. I don't know if he's going to make it tomorrow but he certainly wants to be as close as possible."

While he unlikely to feature on Thursday, going by the manager's words, the possibility of him playing in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium in a week's time is huge. The Gunners do not enjoy the best of home forms and will need their influential fullback available if they wish to make the final.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Villarreal 2 - 1 Arsenal

April 29, 2021 3:00pmEstadio de la Cerámica (Villarreal)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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