Mikel Arteta hints at whether Aubameyang and Tierney will start against Villarreal

Arsenal will today clash with Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League semi finals away from home and Mikel Arteta will want to use his best squad in this game due to the importance of progressing to the final. Arsenal might welcome back Tierney and Aubameyang back to the squad but will these two be in the starting eleven? Mikel Arteta has commented on this issue.

Arsenal will hope to get the first leg win since they are away from home and even though Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn’t been impressive this season as in the past, he is still a very top striker that can punish any team in the world and so the fans are hopeful that he is in the team that starts the game against Villarreal. Kieran Tierney is an important player at Arsenal as he is their best left back and his chemistry with his teammates on his flank could be beneficial for the club against a team like Villarreal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faced the media before the game against Villarreal and was asked on if he would risk to play both Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang since the game needs them but he said that he will not (rushing them) hinting how these two might not be in the eleven that faces the Spanish side due to not being match fit.

“We do need them, because we know that we have some players that are in contention and they are the ones who can make the difference in a big tie like this.” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal’s official website.

“But the word risk, I don’t like to put players on the pitch if they can’t perform and they can’t feel secure that they can perform. If it’s a risk or we’re going to take a gamble, then I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”