Mikel Arteta makes ruthless Alex Runarsson decision as keeper pays price for shaky displays

Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Runarsson has been left out of the Gunners' squad for the Europa League knockout stage.

The shot-stopper played in four of the Londoners' six group-stage fixtures, but a string of shaky displays has seen Mikel Arteta omit him from the squad ahead of their last-32 clash against Benfica.

Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac are also removed from the squad after they both left Arsenal to join Schalke in January.

Their places are taken by new signings Mat Ryan and Martin Odegaard.

Teenage forward Gabriel Martinelli was not in the initial squad due to suffering from a long-term knee injury, from which he has now returned.

Runarsson has been omitted from the squad (REUTERS)

He takes his place in the squad for the knockout stage, leaving Runarsson to miss out.

Ryan will act as a back-up goalkeeper to Bernd Leno, while Arsenal will also be able to call upon youngsters Arthur Okonkwo, Karl Hein and James Hilson between the sticks should they require.

UEFA rules allow clubs to submit a separate list of homegrown, under-21 players that can be selected.

That list also included Folarin Balgoun, Miguel Azeez and Ben Cottrell among others.

Despite being omitted from Europe, Runarsson could yet start in goal for the Gunners against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

He replaced Leno against Wolves on Tuesday night after the German was sent off for handling outside the area.

Ryan is facing a race against time to be fit, with Arteta saying: "He had a muscular issue in the last two days he hasn't been able to train and hopefully we can get him back in the last few days."

Arsenal were the only side to register a 100% record in the Europa League group stage despite their comparative struggles domestically.

Arsenal Europa League squad

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Mat Ryan, Karl Hein, James Hillson, Arthur Okwonko

Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Rob Holding, Cedric, Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, David Luiz, Joel Lopez, Zane Monlouis

Midfielders: Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka, Dani Ceballos, Martin Odegaard, Willian, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe, Granit Xhaka, Ryan Alebiosu, Ben Cottrell, Miguel Azeez, Omari Giraud-Hutchinson, Charlie Patino

Forwards: Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun, Jordan McEneff