Press conference: Mikel Arteta on the Europa League second leg, Partey, and more

Arsenal are preparing to play against Benfica in the Europa League round of 32 second leg game on Thursday. First leg ended in a 1-1 draw as Bukayo Saka scored for the Gunners, meanwhile, Pizzi scored for Benfica. Ahead of the second leg, Arteta gave a press conference. He provided an update on Thomas Partey who has been missing from the Gunners squad for the last three games due to a hamstring injury. Also spoke out on other topics. On the second leg: "Well the away goal is always important but in this context I don’t think it’s that relevant. We know to go there to try and win the game." On Partey: "Thomas is very close he’s got a final test in training and if he’s feeling good he will be available to play the match." On fans returning: "I cannot wait to have the fans back in the stadium. The energy that they are able to create the motivation that they create the passion that they can show for our players I think it’s something that we’ve really been missing. Hopefully we can have them very soon." On how Aubameyang can come back: "I think the best way to talk is always is on the pitch. Seven days before when he scored a hattrick against Leeds he was the main man." On Taarabt: "Yeah he used to play as a number 10. Super talented a very creative player. It was hard to play against him. I thought he was a player with enormous talent. He’s changed a little bit his position and his discipline as well. Nice to see him back playing." source - football.london / Join us on Telegram / Follow us on Twitter

Arsenal dealt injury boost ahead of Europa League clash with Benfica