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Arsenal train ahead of their final Europa League group-stage clash with BATE Borisov… with Jack Wilshere in line to start at the Emirates Stadium

ARSENAL have been training hard ahead of their final Europa League group-stage clash with BATE Borisov... with Jack Wilshere in line to start at the Emirates.

Star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are set to be rested for the dead-rubber, with the Gunners already safely into the next round.

 Jack Wilshere is set to start for Arsenal in the Europa League clash with BATE Borisov on Thursday night
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Jack Wilshere is set to start for Arsenal in the Europa League clash with BATE Borisov on Thursday nightCredit: Reuters
 Arsenal's stars were all in training ahead of the final group game, despite having already topped Group H
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Arsenal's stars were all in training ahead of the final group game, despite having already topped Group HCredit: PA:Press Association

Arsene Wenger's side sit top of Group H with ten points from their five games, with Red Star Belgrade and Cologne on six points and BATE Borisov on five.

While the clash is non-issue for the Gunners, already set to not only qualify for the knockout stages, but also top the group, it's everything to play for for the Bulgarians.

A win could see them sneak a last-gasp spot in the last-32, should the other Group H fixture end as a draw.

But Arsenal trained hard regardless on Wednesday, with Wilshere looking particularly focused as he aims to force his way into Wenger's Premier League starting XI.

 Olivier Giroud will be itching to start for Arsenal on Thursday night after a number of games on the bench
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Olivier Giroud will be itching to start for Arsenal on Thursday night after a number of games on the benchCredit: Reuters
 Arsene Wenger led his troops through training on Wednesday morning ahead of the Europa League clash
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Arsene Wenger led his troops through training on Wednesday morning ahead of the Europa League clashCredit: PA:Press Association

Wilshere has made just four top-flight appearances this term, but is set to continue his run in the cup, playing seven times in Europe and the Carabao Cup combined.

Ozil and Sanchez trained with Wilshere and Co on Wednesday, but are set to miss out on the squad to be given a well-earned breather.


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Elsewhere, Olivier Giroud will be itching to prove he is worthy of a starting spot, along with youngsters including Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Earlier this week, Wilshere shared a snap of himself ice-skating with wife Andriani Michael and his two kids.

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 Arsenal stars including Theo Walcott were put through their paces on Wednesday morning ahead of BATE Borisov game
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Arsenal stars including Theo Walcott were put through their paces on Wednesday morning ahead of BATE Borisov gameCredit: Reuters
 Hector Bellerin had a chat with Arsene Wenger as Arsenal trained for their BATE Borisov showdown
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Hector Bellerin had a chat with Arsene Wenger as Arsenal trained for their BATE Borisov showdownCredit: Reuters
 Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one youngster who'll hope to land a spot in the starting XI on Thursday evening
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one youngster who'll hope to land a spot in the starting XI on Thursday eveningCredit: Reuters
 Arsenal were hard at work in Wednesday morning's session ahead of their final Europa League group game
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Arsenal were hard at work in Wednesday morning's session ahead of their final Europa League group gameCredit: Reuters

The Gunners midfielder hilariously poked fun of himself, captioning the tweet: "Positive week, managed to get through 20 minutes of ice skating without getting injured."

However, Wilshere's boss Wenger seemed frustrated at his ice-skating escapades, saying: "It’s not ideal.

"For your balance, it’s not bad. But you fall down as well. For football it’s not great."

Arsenal take on BATE Borisov at the Emirates on Thursday night, with kick-off at 8.05pm.

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