Arsenal FC XI vs Sporting Lisbon: Predicted line-ups, confirmed team news and latest injuries for Europa League

Nketiah has been out since earlier this month with an ankle injury and has yet to recover.

“He’s getting better and better,” said the Gunners boss.

“It’s still in the trunk. It’s still a few weeks away and we’ll just have to be patient. It was a bad injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank goodness it could have been worse. So he’s not in a bad place.”

Arsenal drew 2-2 in the first leg in Lisbon last week and Mikel Arteta is expected to name a strong team to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

However, there will likely still be some rotation as goalkeeper Matt Turner will be starting. Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and Takehiro Tomiyasu could come into defence.

Jorginho was set to replace Thomas Partey at the base of midfield. Fabio Vieira is pushing for the start after good performances recently.

In attack, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are in contention – but Arteta could try to come on strong and give the players some rest outside Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arsenal likely XI (4-3-3): lathe; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Odegaard, Jorginho, Vieira; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Thursday 20:00 GMT, BT Sport

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz

Arsenal squad from: Hein, Ramsdale, Turner; Gabriel, Holding, Kiwior, Saliba, Tierney, Tomiyasu, White, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe, Trossard, Vieira, Xhaka; Jesus, Martinelli, Nelson.

Injured: Elneny (knee), Nketiah (ankle)