Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Benfica

Arsenal will be aiming to book their place in the last 16 of the Europa League when they travel to Athens for the 'home' leg of their last-32 clash with Benfica on Thursday evening.

The Gunners go into the game having drawn 1-1 with the Portuguese giants in Rome last week, with Bukayo Saka cancelling out Pizzi's opener from the penalty spot in the first leg.

Mikel Arteta rotated his team for the weekend's visit of Manchester City with this game in mind, but the Spaniard witnessed his side succumb to a 1-0 defeat to the Premier League leaders on their own turf.

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

© Reuters

Status: Minor doubt Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: February 25 (vs. Benfica)

Thomas Partey continues to recover from the hamstring issue he sustained against Aston Villa, and he played no part against Man City. However, the former Atletico Madrid man has been pictured with the ball at his feet in training, and a late decision over his involvement will be made before kickoff.

© Reuters

Status: Out Type of injury: Concussion Possible return date: February 28 (vs. Leicester City)

Rob Holding was named in the starting lineup against Man City but had to come off in the final 10 minutes due to a head injury, with David Luiz replacing him as a concussion substitute. Arteta expects the centre-back to miss "a few days" as a result, effectively ruling him out of contention for the second leg.

Arsenal have no players suspended for the second leg.