IT HAD TO HAPPEN!

ARSENAL ARE OFF TO RUSSIA

ArSENAL are preparing for a huge security operation after being handed a nightmare Europa League clash against CSKA Moscow. The Gunners’ reward for eliminating AC Milan in the last 16 is a daunting quarter-final against the russian giants. The tie leaves the club facing the prospect of an extensive security operation off the pitch in the face of growing tensions between the British and russian governments over the poisoning of a double agent on British soil which has led to calls for England to boycott this summer’s World Cup. Yesterday Arsenal were putting the wheels in motion to ensure the tie goes ahead without incident. Gunners chiefs, as is usual protocol, will head to Moscow on a fact-finding mission to ensure the club are as prepared as possible ahead of departure for the second leg on April 12. Similarly, Arsenal staff will hold regular dialogue with all the relevant authorities, including the governments of both countries. Arsene Wenger (right) will hold a morning training session with his players in London the day before the game before flying to Moscow. As usual, Arsenal will not train at the VEB Arena the night before the game and upon arrival will head straight to their hotel, where there is likely to be heightened security. Sources claimed there was no concern from the players about the tie. Arsenal will be allocated between 3,000-4,000 tickets for the away leg, but the club expect barely 350 to go. Fans have been told to seek advice from the Foreign Office before travelling. John Williamson, an Arsenal season ticket-holder for 35 years, said: ‘There will certainly be apprehension from fans about going due to the political climate but also security fears due to potential trouble with russian fans. I will still be going though.’

EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW: RB Leipzig v Marseille, Arsenal v CSKA Moscow, Atletico Madrid v Sporting Lisbon, Lazio v Salzburg. * First legs on April 5, second legs on April 12.