Arsenal
[Photos] Double injury boost for Arsenal as key duo train ahead of Napoli game
Arsenal have been handed a boost after Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny both took part in full training ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Napoli.
Arsenal have been handed a boost after Granit Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny both took part in full training ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Napoli.
Koscielny was a doubt for the Europa League quarter-final first leg after missing Arsenal’s last two matches due to a foot injury but the Frenchman was able to resume training at London Colney this afternoon.
Xhaka also sat out the Premier League games with Newcastle and Everton recently after suffering a groin injury during the recent international break but the Switzerland international was also out on the training pitches with the rest of the squad today.
Unai Emery says he’ll make a final decision over their availability on Thursday morning but as long as they don’t suffer any reaction from today’s session, I expect Koscielny and Xhaka to be involved against Napoli.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also in full training today and he’s pushing to start against the Italian giants having been named on the bench for the last two matches.
Emery revealed at his press conference today that the reason for Aubameyang’s exclusion was because he’s been on antibiotics due to illness but the Gabon hitman is now fully fit and ready to start against Napoli.
Lucas Torreira will be fresh as he’s been suspended in the league recently so he could come in to the midfield and he’ll know the Napoli team well from his time in Italy playing for former club Sampdoria.
Emery is expected to name a strong line-up as the Arsenal boss looks to secure a vital first leg advantage but Petr Cech is set for a recall in goal as he’s been a regular in the Europa League this season.
Here are more photos from today’s session:
