Arsenal defensive target set to start in Europa League qualifier

Source: DHA

Fenerbahce take on Grasshoppers at the Letzigrund stadium for their Europa League second-leg tie knowing that even a defeat by a two-goal scoreline could take them through to the group stages.

Recently appointed manager Dick Advocaat will take charge of his third game as Fenerbahce boss.

Advocaat has a full strength squad available and is likely to play a defensive line including Van der Wiel, Skrtel, Simon Kjaer and Hasan Ali Kaldirim.

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Fenerbahce centre-back Simon Kjaer a source close to the club told Turkish-football.

The Yellow Canaries will not however, consider offers below £13 million for the 27-year-old defender who has another three-years remaining on his current contract.

The Gunners are short on defensive options following injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel.

Kjaer has been identified as an alternative but Fenerbahce are determined to keep hold of the Danish international this season.

Former Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is in the match-day squad but is unlikely to start as he is lacking match fitness.

GRASSHOPPERS – FENERBAHÇE
STADIUM: Letzigrund
REFEREE: Danny Makkelie (Holland)

KICK-OFF: 20.00 (Local Time)

GRASSHOPPERS: Vasic, Lavanchy, Pnishi, Bamert, Lüthi, Kallström, Basic, Sigurjonsson, Gjorgjev, Caio, Munsy
MANAGER: Pierluigi Tami

FENERBAHÇE: Volkan, Van der Wiel, Skrtel, Kjaer, Hasan Ali, Mehmet, Ozan, Salih, Stoch, Aatif, Van Persie
MANAGER: Dick Advocaat