Martinelli, Odegaard, Aubameyang: Arsenal latest team news and transfer updates ahead of Slavia Prague clash

Arsenal are set to face Slavia Praha in the second leg of the Europa League quarter finals. So ahead of the match here are the latest injury updates for the Gunners. David Luiz will miss the trip to the Czech Republic after undergoing minor knee surgery earlier this month. Arsenal confirmed that the procedure had gone well and that he would have aims to be back available in the "upcoming weeks." The former Chelsea man was forced to go under the knife after missing the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on April 3. Kieran Tierney is also sidelined with a knee problem, but he has not been forced to undergo an operation like his teammate. The defender is in danger of missing the remainder of the season after suffering ligament damage. Arsenal expect him to be out of action for around four to six weeks, which means there is a genuine prospect that he may not play again this season. Bukayo Saka was subbed off with just over 20 minutes remaining of the Gunners' win over Sheffield United on Sunday evening after feeling some discomfort in his thigh. Addressing Saka's condition following the full-time whistle, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said: "(Saka) had some discomfort in his thigh. I don’t know what it is. The last thing we need is another issue because we have enough of that and are missing some big players at the moment. "I don’t know the extent but we will see how it develops in the coming days." Fortunately, Saka, when spotted leaving Bramall Lane to board the team bus, was not using crutches. Martin Odegaard has missed the last two matches with another ankle issue, meaning he now faces a race against time to be fit for the trip to Prague. Ahead of Sunday's clash with the Blades, Arsenal confirmed that the Real Madrid loanee would face a late fitness test to determine whether or not he could have made the squad. Of course, looking back now, he didn't, but the fact that he faced a late test provides hope that he could be nearing a return. Emile Smith Rowe missed the trip to South Yorkshire because of an ankle injury he picked up in the first-leg against Slavia last week. When asked if Smith Rowe, alongside Odegaard, would be fit for Thursday's match, following Sunday's win at Bramall Lane, Arteta said: "I don’t know. I want to think yes but if I’m honest I don’t know." Gabriel Martinelli twisted his ankle against the Blades and he has since put those fears to bed, confirming that he will be available to feature against Slavia if called upon by Arteta. Speaking to the Gunners' club website, he, when asked if he was carrying an injury problem, said: "No, I am alright to play on Thursday." Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was forced to miss the win over the Blades through illness, meaning Arteta was unable to call upon his captain to inspire the Gunners to get back to winning ways. In an Instagram post, the Gabon international said: "Gutted I can't be out there with the team tonight, but hopefully back healthy on Thursday!" "Let's go boys!! @arsenal." Source- football.london Join us on Telegram!/ Follow us on Twitter!

Gabriel Martinelli sends message to Arsenal fans over his fitness ahead of Slavia Prague clash