Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Benfica

Arsenal will be aiming to carry the momentum over from their thrilling victory over Leeds United when they travel to Rome to take on Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie.

The Gunners could not break down a dogged Leeds defence at Elland Road earlier in the campaign, but they struck four times in a dominant performance to run out 4-2 winners on Sunday evening.

Mikel Arteta's men boast a 100% record so far in this season's competition with six wins from six in Group B, and the Europa League arguably represents their best chance to return to the Champions League given their slim top-four prospects.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's injury and suspension news ahead of the first leg.

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Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Ankle Possible return date: February 18 (vs. Benfica)

Arsenal's hat-trick hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went down clutching his ankle in the dying embers of Sunday's win, but he was in good spirits and appeared to be moving fine after the game, so Arteta expects to have him available on Thursday.

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: February 18 (vs. Benfica)

Thomas Partey's injury-plagued start to life in North London continued as he was forced off with a hamstring problem against Aston Villa, and he played no part against Leeds. Arteta has since conceded that the midfielder's chances of returning this week are "unlikely".

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Status: Major doubt Type of injury: Calf Possible return date: February 18 (vs. Benfica)

Kieran Tierney has now missed the Gunners' last six matches due to a calf problem, but the left-back is now being put through his paces in training. Arteta has also labelled his chances of a midweek return "unlikely" but he is in a better position with his recovery than Partey is.

Arsenal have no suspension concerns for the first leg.