Iwobi not sure for Atletico trip

David Ospina, Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are all doubts for Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

The Gunners drew the first-leg of the semi-final tie 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium last week and they will head to the Spanish capital knowing they need to score at least one goal if they are to progress through to the final.

The north Londoners’ preparations for that match have not been ideal, as they were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday and that defeat could well have been costlier than initially thought, with Wenger confirming that Ospina, Iwobi and Mkhitaryan picked up knocks.

Armenia international Mkhitaryan, who grabbed Arsenal’s goal at Old Trafford, was forced off with a knee problem during the second-half, while goalkeeper Ospina and wide-man Iwobi played the full 90 minutes despite struggling with respective rib and hamstring problems.

Wenger refused to completely rule any of the trio out of Thursday’s European showdown, although he confirmed they will be closely monitored over the coming days.

Asked if the trio will definitely miss the Atleti game, Wenger said: “At the moment, no. We will monitor them.”

The Europa League represents Wenger’s last chance of adding to his trophy haul with Arsenal.