Arteta backs star player to help rescue tie against Villarreal

Mikel Arteta has backed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to put in a good shift against Villarreal in the return leg of the Europa League.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s performance in the Europa League clash against Villarreal tonight.

The Gabon international recently missed four matches due to malaria, but he made a comeback off the bench in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final tie.

The Gunners bagged an away goal in the 2-1 defeat at El Madrigal, but they still need to find the back of the net tonight to have any chance of reaching the final.

Aubameyang will be heading into the game with some momentum after bagging a goal and an assist in the Premier League clash at Newcastle United on Sunday.

Aubameyang on Villarreal game

Definitely this season is the most important game and we know that we have to win this game.

It is a big opportunity for us to get to the final, we play at home and this is maybe the biggest game of my Arsenal career.#COYG pic.twitter.com/8gwN1Eb7Gb
— ARSENAL (@tomgunner14) May 5, 2021

Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta said that the club captain is in a good place in terms of fitness, and he is looking forward to another top performance from the Gabonese forward.

He said to the club’s website: “Auba played well and he felt much better than the days before [Sunday]. Obviously, scoring a goal is really important for him as well, so he’s in a good place.”

“This game always gives you another opportunity. If you are there, then you are ready for the taking. He can turn things around really quickly so hopefully we can see that tomorrow.”

Aubameyang’s return to full fitness is a huge boost for the Gunners, who played without an out-and-out striker in the starting XI for the first leg.

Alexandre Lacazette has also returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury while Kieran Tierney has overcome a knee problem of his own.

It appeared that David Luiz had suffered a hamstring strain against the Magpies at the weekend, but he has also handed a boost with a swift comeback.

Arteta has the chance to play his best preferred XI with no injuries within the squad. It remains to be seen whether the club can cross the Villarreal hurdle to reach the final.