Arsenal board private jet to Ostersund as Arsene Wenger and his side prepare for temperatures of minus five degrees for Europa League clash
ARSENAL flew out to Sweden on Wednesday as they prepare to face Ostersund in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg.
The Gunners will have to battle -5 temperatures as takes an under-strength side for the match on Thursday evening.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be looking to make his European debut with the North London club, as former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses out due to being cup-tied.
The Gabon international did train at London Colney before the squad boarded a private jet from Luton Airport, as Arsenal travel without their two main strikers.
Wenger's men were dealt a huge blow on Tuesday when it was revealed Alexandre Lacazette will be out for six weeks as he recovers from minor knee surgery.
This leaves Danny Welbeck likely to lead the line, where he will be looking to improve on his measly five-goal return this season.
Youngster Eddie Nketiah remains another possibility to get the nod, as fellow youth graduates Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock will all be pushing for valuable minutes.
In another blow for Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey looks to be ruled out once again with a groin strain, with the Welshman a notable absentee from training.
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The 27-year-old miss the defeat against Tottenham on Saturday, and isn't likely to be risked with the Carabao Cup final looming against Manchester City.
Mesut Ozil could make his first appearance in the Europa League this campaign, with Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny all vying to start.
OSTERSUND FACTFILE
- Club play at Jamtkraft Arenam which holds 9,165 fans
- The ground is currently covered in snow throughout the stands
- Temepartures could drop as low as -5 ° for the Thursday's 6pm kick off time
Wenger could look at starting January signing Konstantinos Mavropanos in defence against the Swedish Cup holders.
Club captain Per Mertesacker is also in contention, though it remains to be seen if first choice centre-back's Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi will be risked.
The Europa League looks to be Arsenal's best chance of qualifying for the Champions League this season.
After losing 1-0 to Spurs, the Gunners trail fourth-placed Chelsea by eight points with 11 games to go in the Premier League.