Arsenal handed huge injury boost ahead of Napoli tie but attacker misses trip

Arsenal will be looking to protect their 2-0 lead when we take on Napoli in the second leg of our Europa League quarter-final at the Stadio San Paolo on Thursday night.

The Gunners flew out to Italy this afternoon and we’ve been handed a major boost as Lucas Torreira was among the travelling squad after recovering from a minor knock.

The Uruguayan international was forced off at half-time during Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Watford on Monday night due to a groin problem and he was initially classed as a doubt for the Napoli tie tomorrow night.

However, it seems we’ve been handed a huge boost as Torreira was on the plane that flew out of London today after taking part in training and he wasn’t mentioned in Arsenal’s official team news update on Arsenal.com so it looks like he’ll be in contention on Thursday.

There isn’t such positive news on Denis Suarez though as the attacking midfielder has been ruled out of tomorrow night’s Europa League tie after failing to overcome a niggling groin injury that’s hampered him in recent weeks.

Otherwise, Unai Emery has a healthy squad to choose from for the crucial second leg at Napoli but obviously Hector Bellerin, Danny Welbeck and Rob Holding are unavailable as they continue their rehabilitation from serious injuries.

The team news update on Arsenal.com read:

Denis Suarez
Groin. Stayed in London for treatment.

Hector Bellerin
Left knee. Continuing with gym based rehabilitation and strengthening post-surgery.

Rob Holding
Left knee. Progressing through end stages of gym rehabilitation and conditioning.

Danny Welbeck
Right ankle. Started on-field rehabilitation, conditioning and ball work.

Arsenal head to Naples holding a deserved 2-0 lead from the first leg last week so we’ll be looking to overcome our poor away form to finish the job and book our place in the semi-finals of the Europa League.