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Benfica vs Arsenal preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

By Ross Kennerley

VIENNA, AUSTRIA - OCTOBER 22: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Hector Bellerin after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Rapid Wien and Arsenal FC at Allianz Stadion on October 22, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. Rapid Wien are allowing a limited number of 3000 spectators to be in attendance as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are eased. (Photo by Chris Hofer/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA - OCTOBER 22: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates with team mate Hector Bellerin after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Rapid Wien and Arsenal FC at Allianz Stadion on October 22, 2020 in Vienna, Austria. Rapid Wien are allowing a limited number of 3000 spectators to be in attendance as Covid-19 pandemic restrictions are eased. (Photo by Chris Hofer/Getty Images) /
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Kieran Tierney, Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal reacts during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Arsenal Team News vs Benfica

After putting Leeds to the sword in a hugely enjoyable opening 60 minutes last time out, Arsenal have no fresh injuries to contend with, just previous ones to weep over.

It is as you were in that regard as Thomas Partey remains unavailable through injury, with all signs pointing towards him playing no part in the second leg either unless he makes a speedy recovery. Even still, premature decisions in that regard made earlier this season are still being paid for.

Kieran Tierney has been listed as a possibility for Thursday, another call that needn’t be risked for the first leg of the tie. If he plays, aggravates the issue and Arsenal lose, there will be a few large eggs on faces.

Up front despite being hacked to pieces in the latter stages of the Leeds win, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang suffered no lasting effects of the challenges he was subject to and is in line for another start.

In defence there are no injury concerns either, and in goal Alex Runarsson was left out of the revised Europa League squad therefore Mat Ryan will make his first appearance on the bench for Arsenal in European competition.

For the hosts, Benfica head to Italy without the services of Andre Almeida and Jardel, the former suffering an ACL injury back in October while the central defender is dealing with a thigh strain.

There is a third defensive issue for Jorge Jesus to contend in right-back Gilberto, who suffered a muscle injury prior to their most recent outing and is touch and go to make Thursday’s fixture. The Brazilian had been a near ever-present for the side this season.

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