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Arsenal could have three key players back in the matchday squad vs Villarreal: Will they start?

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Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal

Arsenal take on Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final this week and their manager has confirmed that Kieran Tierney, Alexandre Lacazette and Aubameyang are in contention for the first leg.

Tierney has been out for some time with a knee injury but Mikel Arteta has revealed that the left-back did not need surgery and is back in training. Aubameyang too has made a full recovery and is available for selection. But the manager has made it clear that their selections are not guaranteed.

He told the reporters: “They are all in contention. All of them. Including Aubameyang, Laca and Kieran. They are all in contention for the game.

“He[Tierney] didn’t need the surgery that we were afraid of at the beginning and then he’s been working like a beast every single day.

“I don’t know if he’s going to make it tomorrow but he certainly wants to be as close as possible to that football pitch to give himself the best possible chance.

“We do need them, because we know that we have some players that are in contention and they are the ones who can make the difference in a big tie like this.

“But the word risk, I don’t like to put players on the pitch if they can’t perform and they can’t feel secure that they can perform. If it’s a risk or we’re going to take a gamble, then I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”

Lacazette has been the man in form for Arsenal and his injury was a big blow for the Gunners. But now that he is back in contention, the Frenchman will slot straight back into the line-up, replacing Nketiah up front.

In the absence of Kieran Tierney, Granit Xhaka has been playing at left-back and things have obviously not been great in that area of the pitch. And if Tierney is truly fully fit then Arteta will definitely add him to the starting line-up on Thursday.

Aubameyang, on other hand, has been out of form for a few weeks now and it will not be a surprise if the Gabon international starts on the bench in the first leg.

Nicolas Pepe is very much apt on playing down the left flank and now with Lacazette also returning, Mikel Arteta will not be sweating too much.

Read: 4-2-3-1 Arsenal’s predicted line-up vs Villarreal.

Read: Arsenal could have a new consortium ownership very soon.

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