Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the likes of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal could return to the matchday squad for Thursday’s Europa League outing versus AC Milan.
Monreal has been absent with a back problem which he sustained during the League Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester City, whilst Hector Bellerin has missed the last two games with a knee issue.
Speaking after the Gunners’ 3-0 triumph over Watford, Wenger confirmed that the Spanish full-backs could return for the Rossoneri game after watching their teammates perform, from the stands on Sunday.
“Bellerin is in quite a good way”, he is quoted as saying by the club’s official website.
“He could be available for Thursday, yes. And Monreal as well.”
In their absence, Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles looked comfortable on the ball, and the latter frustrated the movement of Richarlison, who was undoubtedly the Hornets’ main attacking threat despite his goal drought.
Arsenal secured a well-deserved 2-0 triumph over Milan in the away leg at San Siro, and they should finish the job at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, though they need to guard against any complacency.
Arsene Wenger named a rather-weakened lineup last time around, which influenced a first-half scare at the hands of Ostersund, but the team are in a lot more secure position versus Milan with key players sufficiently rested.
Aside from Monreal and Bellerin, the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey were left out of the matchday squad against Watford altogether whilst Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck only made cameo appearances off the bench.
