Arteta gives Arsenal fans Partey hope but Holding ruled out | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League second leg with Benfica.

The Gunners drew the first leg 1-1 and will hope to win their ‘home’ leg in Greece on Thursday.

Here’s what the Arsenal boss had to say …

On Thomas Partey’s injury

“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 Rob Holding missing out

“Holding had a concussion but now we need to follow the protocols and he won’t be able to travel.”

On having an away goal

“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 the size of the game

“Well it’s a big season and a really important one mentally and confidence-wise.

“This is really what we need. Really tough opponent. They’re a Champions League team that have been playing these types of games for many years. Tomorrow it’s a final.”

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 Aubameyang’s form

“I think the best way to talk is always is on the pitch.

“Seven days before when he scored a hat-trick against Leeds he was the main man.”