Arsenal have been drawn against PSV Eindhoven in the last-16 of the Champions League with the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Home advantage in the second leg is always a crucial factor in these ties although Arsenal have a worrying record against Dutch teams.
Mikel Arteta will also be wary of the fact that PSV have knocked Arsenal out before at the last-16 stage so the Gunners will need to be on their game.
Arsenal fans are pessimistic following the draw and without a number of key attacking players due to injury winning the Champions League does seem a tall order for the side this season. However, Arteta may have just boosted those thoughts.
Mikel Arteta provides update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal v West Ham in the Premier League, Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
On whether the pair could feature in the Champions League last-16 tie, Arteta stated: “I’m not sure. That’s a question for the doctor. Both are going really well. Martinelli is a bit ahead of Bukayo but they will have to see. How the boys are feeling and what we are prepared to do.”
It had been expected that Martinelli and Saka wouldn’t return until mid-March but the Gunners boss has not ruled out an earlier return for the forwards.
It would provide a huge boost for Arsenal’s chances in the competition as the pace and goal threat provided by both players has been sorely missed.
What Arteta said about the Premier League title race
Before attentions switch to Europe and the tie with Peter Bosz’s PSV side, Arsenal are 100% focussed on reducing the gap at the top of the league to Liverpool.
Speaking ahead of the match with West Ham, Arteta wants his side to focus on themselves as the heat is turned up in the title race.
Arteta stated: “Ifs in football, I don’t like them. Whatever is in our hands, let’s do it.”
The Gunners weren’t at their best against Leicester but found a way to win with Mikel Merino scoring twice in an unfamiliar striker role.
It will no doubt be a similarly nervy affair at the Emirates Stadium as West Ham look to frustrate and counter attack, Arsenal will need to ensure that they continue to ‘find a way.’
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