Arsenal returned to Europa League action on Thursday evening as they faced off against PSV Eindhoven in a key clash for their qualification hopes. While the side had already made then next phase of the competition, they have the opportunity to miss an extra game against a team dropping from the Champions League if they finish top.
With PSV their nearest competitors, anything but a loss would secure them a place in the round of 16, however the home side looked to spoil those chances. The first half saw plenty of warning signs for the Gunners after two disallowed goals, but they weren't let off the hook after the break.
A quickfire double from Joey Veerman and Luuk de Jong means that Arsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat and have to match the Dutch club's final result to guarantee first. There are also some new injury concerns for the manager to deal with too, making the squad look thinner than before.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed potential Europa League boost despite Granit Xhaka suspension and PSV loss
Matt Turner
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was expected to keep his place in the Europa League side against PSV, but he was a surprise exclusion from the matchday squad. It was revealed late on that the summer signing was not made available for the game as a precaution for a tight groin.
What Arteta has said: "Matt [Turner] felt something in his groin last night so we decided to start with Aaron [Ramsdale].
Expected return date: Unknown
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko suffered a knock to his knee in late August before briefly returning to action against Manchester United. He then picked up a calf injury in Arsenal training and has struggled to stay match-fit since. The Ukraine international has missed the Gunners' last seven games, including the latest clash against PSV.
The medical staff are monitoring the versatile defender and will be looking to not give him too much, too soon, concerning his physical workload.
What Arteta has said: "He had a recurring injury in his calf. That's why he's been out for this period."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Marquinhos
Marquinhos was not involved in Thursday night's clash. The Brazilian youngster was feeling unwell in the build-up to the game and didn't travel to the Netherlands as a result.
What Arteta has said: "We had Marquinhos who wasn’t feeling well today and didn’t travel. For the rest we are OK."
Expected return date: Nottingham Forest (H) - October 30
Emile Smith Rowe
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has struggled to get his season underway so far, suffering with injury from pre-season before making his return from the bench against Manchester United last month. However, he then got injured in the warm-down at Old Trafford.
The England international has since undergone surgery which is set to keep him on the sidelines for an extended period, with no return date set as of this moment.
What Arteta has said: "That's been an ongoing issue that he's had. He's had some discomfort in the groin area and hasn't had any continuity this season," the Arsenal boss told reporters in a press conference before the 3-0 win over Brentford a couple of weeks ago. "It's something we are trying to assess.
"We're trying to help him as much as possible in any way we can because we need him fit, we need him available, and we need him performing at his best level because he's such an important player for us. Unfortunately, for this period and periods last year, we haven't had him."
Expected return date: Unknown.
Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny is suffering from a hamstring injury which he picked up against Fulham last month. It's likely to keep him out until the New Year, with Arteta describing the injury as "long-term".
What Arteta has said: "We still need to see another specialist, but I'm afraid we're going to lose Mo for a while."
"Obviously, that has an impact because Thomas is injured, and we are a bit short in that position."
Expected return date: Unknown.
READ NEXT:
Every Arsenal Europa League permutation with chance to benefit from major UEFA rule change
Mikel Arteta transfer decision justified as ex-Arsenal man suffers Sadio Mane embarrassment
What happened between Gabriel and Jordan Henderson during Arsenal vs Liverpool explained
Arsenal line-ups vs PSV Eindhoven as Gabriel Jesus starts, no Tierney and youngster handed debut
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
