Smith Rowe still out? How Arsenal could line up against Olympiacos

Martin Macdonald

Arsenal will determine on Wednesday whether Emile Smith Rowe is fit enough to feature in the Europa League clash against Olympiacos on Thursday.

The 20-year-old was substituted shortly before half-time in the recent victory against Leicester in the Premier League, complaining about a hip issue.

He would subsequently miss the Burnley match entirely but has returned to training this week.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday that Smith Rowe would take part in full training on Wednesday and only after that would the Gunners be able to determine if he is fit enough to play.

Even if he is fit, a place on the bench looks the most likely scenario as the club won't want to rush him back prematurely in a game they are expected to win.

Arteta doesn't have any other major fitness concerns heading into the game against the Greek outfit.

Calum Chambers was given a rare start against Burnley and performed pretty well, but will probably drop out again, with Hector Bellerin coming in at right-back.

In the centre of defence, Arteta can pick from Pablo Mari, David Luiz, Gabriel, and Rob Holding.

Luiz and Gabriel started the last Europa League game against Benfica, and could do so again in the next round, with Kieran Tierney at left-back.

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka will probably retain their places from the weekend, though Dani Ceballos is pushing for a spot in the starting XI.

Willian was given the nod ahead of Nicolas Pepe against Burnley, but the former Lille man might have earned a return for this one, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang making up the rest of the front four.

Arsenal predicted XI against Olympiacos

Related Articles