Arsenal team News: Wenger to bench 7 star names for mid-week clash – International ace in-line for first start of season

Arsenal take on Bundesliga side Koln in the Europa League this week as they look to maintain their winning run.

The game takes place at the Emirates stadium and kick-off is scheduled for 20:05 (GMT).

According to the Sun, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is set to make major changes to his starting lineup ahead of the mid-week clash.

The French tactician has prioritized the Premier League over European competition this season.

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Per the source, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Petr Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Danny Welbeck, Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka all missed training today. The report states that all seven players will be rested for the Koln clash and saved for this weekend’s encounter with Chelsea.

Chile international Alexis Sanchez is however expected to start on Thursday night. The star forward has stepped up his fitness following a late return to North London over the summer.