Arsenal stars have visited local hospitals in London ahead of their clash against BATE Borisov in the Europa League.

The Gunners posed for snaps with patients at Whittington Hospital and University College Hospital ahead of Christmas, giving presents out to those receiving care.

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil were both on hand to spread some festive cheer along with teammates Granit Xhaka, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud and others.

Boss Arsene Wenger allowed his players a spot of time off just two days before the BATE Borisov clash, with the Frenchman set to ring the changes.

Arsenal players with hospital staff (
Image:
Getty Images)
Alexis Sanchez spreads some festive cheer (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
The Chilean poses for a snap... (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
...and takes a selfie (
Image:
Arsenal FC)

Arsenal have already secured their place in the last 32 as group toppers, while BATE must win at the Emirates to secure their progression to the knockout stages.

Wenger confirmed he will pick another inexperienced team in his pre-match press conference, but wouldn't be drawn on whether he will pick a more senior side once the knockout stages begin.

“They’ve been absolutely outstanding," Wenger said of his youngsters. "One positive this season is the behaviour of the squad is impeccable.

Granit Xhaka with a child (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
Per Mertesacker, Alexis Sanchez and members of the Arsenal women's team (
Image:
Arsenal FC)
Arsenal stars at the Whittington Hospital (
Image:
Arsenal FC)

“We have a quality squad.

“We will pick a team for each game, nobody is ruled out for any game.”

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