Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno says the Gunners must prove they belong in Europe.
With qualification through the Premier League looking nearly impossible, winning the Europa League title is their only hope.
And Leno says: “I think it feels like when you think about the future without Arsenal in European competition it doesn’t feel right.
“Our job is to make sure that doesn’t come true because Arsenal belongs in Europe.”
To do that they have to start by beating Slavia Prague in tonight’s quarterfinal second leg with the tie poised at 1-1.
In a boost for their chances of winning the clash at the Eden Arena, young guns Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are fit, while skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (illness) and Martin Odegaard (ankle) face late fitness tests
After a frustrating first leg, which saw the Czechs score in the last minute, coach Mikel Arteta warns: “They showed in the first leg that they never give up. We’re going to have a real battle.”