Alexis Sanchez is in the Arsenal team tonight (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have released their team news for tonight’s Europa League group stage match against Bundesliga side Cologne, with Alexis Sanchez starting and Reiss Nelson on the bench.

The Gunners are playing at this level for the first time in 17 years, having made it to the final of what was then called the UEFA Cup back in the 1999/00 season.

Still, it remains to be seen how far Arsenal will progress this term as they field a number of squad players such as Alex Iwobi, David Ospina, Mohamed Elneny and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

It is little surprise to see Arsene Wenger rotate his side as this competition is unlikely to be a priority for him this season, and with a daunting trip to Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend.

There is no room for the highly-rated Reiss Nelson, who is on the bench (Picture: Getty)

Still, it is an opportunity for some of the club’s squad players and youngsters to establish themselves in the first-team in a relatively low-pressure environment.

Sanchez can also use the opportunity to get fully fit for the trip to Stamford Bridge, having arrived back late for pre-season this summer.

Some may also be surprised to see the likes of Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal start this game given their regular appearances in league matches.

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