Arsenal include Jack Wilshere and frozen-out Mathieu Debuchy in Europa League squad but no place for injured Santi Cazorla
MATHIEU DEBUCHY and Jack Wilshere have been named in Arsenal's Europa League squad - but there is no place for Santi Cazorla.
The Gunners take part in Uefa’s second-tier tournament for the first time this season after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
The inclusion of Debuchy is a surprise as the frozen-out full-back played just 16 minutes of Premier League football last season and was farmed out on loan to Bordeaux.
Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers, Chiori Johnson and Tafari Moore are the other players able to operate at right-back in Arsene Wenger’s squad.
Wilshere is fighting his way back to fitness after another injury setback while on loan at Bournemouth last season.
The England international has a year left on his contract and Wenger has given the out-of-favour midfielder the chance to rescue his career at the Emirates.
Cazorla has not been included – the Spaniard has been out since October 2016 with an Achilles injury suffered in last season's Champions League win against Ludogorets.
The Spanish midfielder, 32, shared a video of himself on social media training as he works towards regaining full fitness.
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Arsenal kick off their Europa League campaign against Bundesliga outfit Cologne, followed by group games against Bate Borisov and Red Star Belgrade.
After back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, the Gunners will look to get back to winning ways at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.