Arsenal manager Unai Emery is expected to heavily rotate his squad for the upcoming Europa League clash with Vorskla in Ukraine.
The Gunners have already qualified for the knockout stages but face a tricky trip to eastern Europe, with the match switching from Poltava to Kiev due to political tension.Emery also has an eye on the north London derby this weekend and has suggested that a number of fringe players will feature as he looks to rest his key stars.
Danny Welbeck, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nacho Monreal are all sidelined for the clash while Alexandre Lacazette will not be risked but has returned to training following a groin strain.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also unlikely to be called upon so youngster Eddie Nketiah could lead the line, with the 19-year-old one of 10 U23 players in the travelling squad.
Joe Willock, Emile Smith Rowe and Julio Pleguezuelo were all overlooked by U23s manager Freddie Ljungberg on Monday night against Derby and should feature in some respect against Vorskla.
Meanwhile, Charlie Gilmour, Tyreece John-Jules, Zech Medley, Jordi Osei-Tutu, Bukayo Saka and Dominic Thompson were all on the plane which left Luton Airport for Kiev on Wednesday as Emery bolstered his squad.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be deployed at left-back if Sead Kolasinac is rested ahead of the weekend, although the youngster may join Mohamed Elneny in midfield if Carl Jenkinson is utilised.
Stephan Lichtsteiner has returned to full fitness as is another option in defence but Mesut Ozil was not seen training on Wednesday and could lose out to Alex Iwobi.
Emery has hinted that he will almost certainly rotate, saying: “It’s a long travel and suddenly after we will play Tottenham, but I want to give the team rest for the competition.
Laurent Koscielny is another option for the Spaniard, with the club captain having played 45 minutes for the U23s after tearing an Achilles tendon back in May.
Petr Cech should come in for Bernd Leno in goal while Aaron Ramsey is expected to provide some much needed experience in midfield.
