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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Hassan Rashed

Arsenal squad revealed ahead of Europa League clash against Napoli

Arsenal will be hoping both Laurent Koscielny and Granit Xhaka come through late fitness tests to face Napoli in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Napoli visit the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, with Koscielny and Xhaka fighting to be in contention following foot and groin problems respectively.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery said he will make late a late decision on the duo but revealed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in line to start after overcoming an illness, which has restricted him to substitute appearances in the last two matches.

"He had a small problem and he has been taking antibiotics because he is sick,” Emery said.

Aubameyang is set to return to the starting line-up (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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“That is the reason he didn't start the last two matches. For tomorrow he’s getting better and can start.”

Meanwhile, long-term absentees Danny Welbeck (ankle), Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin (both knee) are still missing.

Arsenal will be hoping to make the most of home advantage against the Serie A side as they look to bounce back from Sunday's defeat at Everton .

Napoli are currently second in Italy with 64 points, trailing current leaders Juventus by 20 points.

Speaking about their opponents, Emery added: "They’re playing very well, they came from a strong group in the Champions League. They were very competitive.

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"It’s going to be difficult for us but we have confidence.

"We need to be very consistent in two matches."

Carlo Ancelotti's side beat Red Bull Salzburg 4-3 on aggregate in the previous round while the Gunners overturned a first-leg deficit to move past Rennes.

Provisional squad: Leno, Cech, Maitland-Niles, Lichtsteiner, Jenkinson, Mustafi, Koscielny, Papastathopoulos, Monreal, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Torreira, Elneny, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Suarez, Ramsey, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nketiah.

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