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Report: Arsenal duo remain at home for Europa League clash after injury scares

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Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Willian haven’t travelled to Norway for the side’s Europa League clash with Molde, according to Evening Standard.

However, Nicolas Pepe has travelled despite the winger having received a red card in his last outing against Leeds United.

Youngsters Miguel Azeez, Ben Cotterill and Emile Smith Rowe have also made the trip, indicating a young squad from manager Mikel Arteta.

It isn’t the news anyone associated with Arsenal will want to have heard regarding two of the club’s consistent starters. Saka and Willian have started seven and eight games respectively, proving to be favourites under Arteta.

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Reiss Nelson and Nicolas Pepe are the only options in wide areas as replacements for the duo, however, both have barely played this season. Nelson has only made two starts, whilst Pepe has only started four times. Their rustiness has shown on the pitch with both averaging less than one key pass per game across all competitions this year.

What’s more, it seems Arteta barely trusts the duo, hinting at potential issues surrounding both players. The former Manchester City coach called out the Ivorian for his lack of consistency back at the start of the month, meanwhile, Nelson hadn’t even featured in the league squad prior to last weekend’s draw with Leeds United.

Saka and Willian’s absence will hurt the Reds, but, Nelson and Pepe could well get the opportunity to impress the Spaniard, who seemingly doesn’t favour either player.

In other news, Arsenal are targeting a Ligue 1 attacker as a Houssem Aouar alternative.

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