Arteta: My focus still on Europe

Southampton v Arsenal kick-off 8.15pm

MIKEL ARTETA has told his Arsenal players they can still force their way into a European spot.

Arteta heads back to Southampton tonight with clinching a passport into Europe their main focus.

The Gunners boss is only seven points off the top four, getting into the top six is still a realistic target and they are in the Europa League.

Arteta (above) said: “Things are moving quickly at the moment so focus on the next game, win it and we’ll be closer to any objective, that’s for sure.”

Arsenal were without Pierre-emerick Aubameyang on Saturday because of a “personal issue” and the club are prepared to wait and give him time. They did not believe he would be available for the Saints game but he will be given every chance.

Ralph Hasenhuttl fears his Southampton side will face a much tougher task in trying to see off Arsenal a second time in four days after knocking them out of the FA Cup on Saturday.

He faces a growing injury list with Kyle Walker-peters the latest casualty after suffering a thigh injury in training and he is already without Ryan Bertrand.

Hasenhuttl said: “At the moment we cannot use all the facilities that we have here and we have a lot of good recovery facilities. In this busy time if you cannot use them after games then you struggle with injuries.”

SOTON: Mccarthy, Valery, Bednarek, Stephens, Vokins, Walcott, Diallo, Ward-prowse, Armstrong, Ings, Adams

ARSENAL: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Lacazette