Arsenal boss warns against complacency

Arsene Wenger admits Barcelona’s shock Champions League exit at the hands of Roma should act as a warning to his Arsenal players in Russia.

The Gunners take on CSKA Moscow in the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal tonight, holding a commanding 4-1 lead from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last week.

While that result leaves Arsenal strong favourites to reach the final four, Barca surrendered the same advantage as they lost 3-0 at Roma to crash out of the Champions League on away goals.

Veteran CSKA defender Aleksei Berezutski admitted the hosts would need a “miracle” to replicate Roma’s heroics, but Wenger still wants his players to head into the match with their minds on the job at hand.

“It can happen in the game, that is why we love football, it is unpredictable,” he said.

“We are in a position where I don’t think we are under threat of complacency, it is an important target for us to go as far as possible.

“(Roma’s comeback) may be a warning for us but let us not go overboard as well. Yes, we have a big job to do but we are in a strong position and it is how we approach the game that will be vital tomorrow.”

Wenger confirmed that Granit Xhaka had not travelled due to illness, joining David Ospina and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in being ruled out, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also cup-tied.