Arsenal aren't in the Champions League this season. You've probably heard.

The Gunners missed out on qualification for Europe's top table for the first time since 1997 after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, with Arsene Wenger leading his side into battle in the Europa League.

For Gunners fans, the fact that something they once took for granted has been taken away from them is about to become all the more real, but there are some who've once worn the cannon upon their chest who aren't missing out this season.

Don't look now, Arsene (
Image:
AFP)

Seven players who formerly lined up for the Gunners could play for other clubs in this season's tournament, and here they are.

Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus)

We've got no idea what the 212 is for (
Image:
@juventusfc/Twitter)

It takes a brave man to take on Gianluigi Buffon, but the Pole in the goal was surely thinking about the long game when he joined Juventus from the Gunners this summer, via two successful loan spells at Roma.

His prospects of game-time might be slim, but he might get a group game or two if Juve sail through.

Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona)

Yep, he's still there (
Image:
Getty)

Still clinging on at Barca via a loan spell at Roma last season, the Belgian defender has been included in the Catalans' Champions League squad.

A popular player during his time at the Emirates, injuries played havoc with the career of the gifted centre-back, although he does still feature for his country.

Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

He's switched north London for west these days (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

He's still yet to actually win the competition after leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in search of more silverware in 2011, but after World Cup and European Championship successes that is pretty much the only gap on the stylish midfielder's CV.

Fabregas will line up in the Chelsea side to take on Qarabag on Tuesday night, with Arsenal fans looking on enviously.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool)

Things didn't go to plan on Oxlade-Chamberlain's debut... (
Image:
Liverpool FC)

In swapping Arsenal for Liverpool this summer, the England midfielder was also swapping the Europa League for the Champions League.

A part of the Gunners side that have fallen at the second round hurdle consistently in recent seasons, he'll be hoping to go at least one round better with the Reds.

Ovie Ejaria (Liverpool)

He's usually more mobile than this (
Image:
Liverpool FC)

The 19-year-old midfielder was released by Arsenal three years ago, but played eight times for Liverpool's first team last season and was a part of the England squad that won the under-20 World Cup in the summer.

Competition for places in the Reds midfield might be fierce, but Jurgen Klopp has shown that he's not afraid to give the teenager opportunities.

Oguzhan Ozyakup (Besiktas)

The Netherlands born Turkish international was on the books at Arsenal for four years, and even sat on the bench for *that* 8-2 defeat to Manchester United in 2011.

A few weeks later he made his one and only Gunners appearances in a League Cup game at Shrewsbury, but since moving to Besiktas the following summer he has become a key man in Istanbul.

He's just won back-to-back Turkish League titles, and has 25 international caps.

Chris Willock (Benfica)

After being at Arsenal since the age of five, English youngster Willock rose through the ranks and made his first-team debut in a League Cup game at Nottingham Forest a year ago.

However, sensing a lack of opportunities he left the club to move to Benfica this summer, and although he's not been included in the Portuguese giants' original Champions League squad, he'll hope to have forced his way in by the time of the knockout rounds should they get there.

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