Arsene Wenger is missing several big players for the Europa League clash with Milan, including Hector Bellerin, and has no advice for Gennaro Gattuso.
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off at San Siro on Thursday at 18.00 GMT.
“Bellerin is injured, he has an inflammation of his left knee. He tried, but couldn’t absorb the training session, so we left him at home. It doesn’t look a long-term problem,” explained the manager in his Press conference.
Arsene Wenger is missing several big players for the Europa League clash with Milan, including Hector Bellerin, and has no advice for Gennaro Gattuso.
The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 kicks off at San Siro on Thursday at 18.00 GMT.
“Bellerin is injured, he has an inflammation of his left knee. He tried, but couldn’t absorb the training session, so we left him at home. It doesn’t look a long-term problem,” explained the manager in his Press conference.
“Alexandre Lacazette is not ready. We had to leave Nacho Monreal behind as well, because he’s not ready. He started a little session today, but he’s not ready.”
Wenger has been managing Arsenal since 1996, when Milan Coach Gattuso was still a young player. Did he pass on any tips to the relatively new tactician?
“I don’t give him too much advice. He’s a guy with much experience. I’m not doing well, so I can get advice from him!”
Milan had been struggling badly when Gattuso took over from Vincenzo Montella, but are now on a 14-match unbeaten run.
On the other hand, the Gunners are in a deep crisis and winning the Europa League may well be their only chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
“Yes, it makes me think about last year, but last year we made 75 points in the Premier League and missed out on the Champions League by a point.
“This is an opportunity for us and we have to take it. It increases the pressure, for sure. I think as well it is a good opportunity. You want to show you have the quality and the strength and you can only show that when it is difficult.
“I think first of all, the players are a bit affected because they want to win. In life, you forget quickly how good you are. Players change their mind quickly. Focus on what you can do better and realise what you didn’t do well and don’t be too worried about the consequences of a bad result.”