Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Martin Odegaard ahead of Arsenal's crucial Europa League quarter final second leg clash vs Slavia Prague.
The pair were unavailable for the Gunners' 3-0 victory over Sheffield United with the former missing out through illness and the latter nursing an ankle problem that also kept him out of the first leg against the Czech champions.
They were both viewed as doubts ahead of the match alongside Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe and although both Hale Enders were passed as fit on Wednesday morning, Odegaard and Aubameyang continue to be assessed before the trip to Prague.
And speaking in his press conference before the match Mikel Arteta provided the latest on their chances of making Thursday night's match.
"I don’t know we have to see today how they are," said the Spaniard.
"We still have a couple of other ones as well in the last few days so we will have to see how everyone is today and after training how they react for tomorrow’s game."
When later quizzed on how likely they were to make Wednesday's training session ahead of the flight to Prague Arteta admitted he was still unsure.
"Depending how they wake up," he said.
"If they wake up better yes. Yesterday none of them could train. Hopefully today it’s a sunnier day so maybe it’s better."
With European qualification via the league looking unlikely Arsenal will want both players back for what is arguably their most important game of the season.
Aubameyang in particular will be hoping to perform on the big stage after struggling for form since being dropped for the North London Derby due to disciplinary issues last month and Arteta backed him to deliver if fit.
"Absolutely," said the Spaniard when asked if was hopeful the Gabonese forward could be available.
"We’ve shown that in big games big players have to step in and create the magic moments. You need that so let’s hope that we can have them."
