Arsenal return to Europa League action tonight as they take on Slavia Prague in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.
The Gunners squandered the chance to claim a victory at home, drawing 1-1 against the Czech side last week as Tomas Holes grabbed a late leveller.
Mikel Arteta must now take his side to the Czech Republic and at least score a goal in order to go through, and Sunday’s 3-0 win at Sheffield United should instil some confidence.
Arsenal were in training on Wednesday ahead of the game, with Bukayo Saka was notably involved as he looks to start.
There was a surprise name involved in training though, as goalkeeper James Hillson was spotted working out with Arteta’s first team.
The 20-year-old isn’t a player we often see in first-team training at Arsenal, but there he was on Wednesday, featuring with the Gunners’ more senior stoppers.
Hillson signed a new contract in January, and may now be doing enough to push for more first-team inclusions – and his promotion in training may just hint at a role tonight.
It’s usually Karl Hein or Arthur Okonkwo selected as Arsenal’s third goalkeeper, operating on the bench alongside Mat Ryan as cover for Bernd Leno in Europe.
Hillson has barely even featured for Arsenal’s Under-23’s this season, making just one Premier League 2 appearance – and yet we could see him on the bench for tonight’s crucial game in a surprise turn of events.
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