Mikel Arteta has confirmed the latest team news ahead of Arsenal's second-leg Europa League clash with Sporting CP. The Gunners know that a win with any scoreline would take them through to the next round of the competition after their 2-2 draw in Lisbon last week.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Gunners' boss provided insight into the readiness of his players. With the focus on the Premier League, the rotation has become a very important factor in preparation for every game.
One player who has returned is Gabriel Jesus. Although Arteta was positive about Jesus being back, he explained that they were still looking to be careful how he was integrated into the side.
READ MORE: Arsenal press conference LIVE: Mikel Arteta on Sporting CP, Gabriel Jesus and squad rotation
"No we have to manage his minutes," Arteta said. "We have to manage his involvement in the squad, in the team but he's feeling good and every day he's training he says his sensations are getting better and better so that's really positive."
However, there was less positive news for Eddie Nketiah. Having been out for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury Arteta confirmed the striker was still wearing a protective boot and provided a timeline of a few weeks.
"Yeah, he's getting better," he replied. "He’s still in the boot.
"He’s still a few weeks away and we need to be patient. It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it’s not as bad as it could have been.
"We are looking to win. It's a shame that we didn't in Lisbon but we're going to have to do better than we did in Lisbon to win against Sporting tomorrow.
The return of Gabriel Jesus is sure to come at the perfect time to lessen the blow of losing Nketiah. The form of Leandro Trossard playing through the middle has also been a significant boost to the side.
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