Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. BATE Borisov

Arsenal play host to BATE Borisov on Thursday night needing to overcome a deficit in order to progress through to the last 16 of the Europa League.

The Gunners had been favourites to establish a first-leg advantage when facing BATE in Belarus, but Unai Emery watched his side suffer a 1-0 defeat.

Emery had opted to name a strong starting lineup against a team who Arsenal defeated 4-2 and 6-0 respectively last season, but the North London outfit were unable to make the breakthrough.

However, Arsenal's preparations for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium are aided by a free weekend courtesy of their fourth-round exit from the FA Cup.

Here, Sports Mole looks at Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their encounter with the Belarusian champions.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: February 21

Aaron Ramsey missed the first leg, with Emery opting against risking the midfielder while he is carrying a knee problem. Ramsey should be fine for Thursday night, but the Welshman will continue to be monitored in training.

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Status: Slight doubt Type of injury: Illness Possible return date: February 21

Emery revealed at his press conference that Maitland-Niles has missed training sessions this week due to illness, but the right-back will be monitored ahead of the game.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: Unknown

Hector Bellerin suffered a serious knee injury against Chelsea in January, and the right-back is not expected to return until towards the end of 2019.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: Unknown

Rob Holding is also facing a lengthy period on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury against Manchester United in December.

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Status: Out Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: Unknown

Danny Welbeck broke his ankle against Sporting Lisbon earlier this season, and the forward is not expected to return until the spring at the earliest.

Arsenal will be without Alexandre Lacazette after the forward was handed a straight red card for an elbow during the first leg.