Arteta confirms absence of Thomas and possible return of Tierney against Benfica

Arsenal are now preparing for the visit to Benfica in the Europa League. After beating Leeds 4-2 in the Premier League, the team is now putting in the European chip to keep up their good form.

Arteta didn't have Thomas Partey nor Kieran Tierney available against Bielsa's men as they were both injured. The Ghanaian suffered a hamstring strain, while the England player was still recovering from a right lower leg strain, the club published in a statement.

But it seems that the Spanish manager could recover one of his players for the big European fixture. According to what he said in the Leeds post-match press conference, Tierney could be back in time for the Benfica clash.

Arteta hopes to be able to count on at least one of them for Thursday's match: "But probably if there is one player who has got a bigger chance, it’s Kieran, because probably in the next few days he can start to do some parts with the team", Arteta said. Sadly it doesn't seem that Thomas will recover in time.