Yahoo Finance Arsenal team news: Nicolas Pepe hoping for immediate redemption against Molde
Nicolas Pepe could get an instant shot at redemption following his red card at Leeds on Sunday after travelling with the Arsenal squad for their Europa League clash against Molde on Thursday.
Pepe was sent off during the goalless draw at Elland Road after butting heads with Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the Ivorian’s action as “unacceptable”.
The winger is now due to be banned for the Gunners’ next three Premier League games, but he is able to play in Europe and could get a chance to make amends on Thursday.
Pepe travelled with the Arsenal squad to Norway on Tuesday and will now be hoping he gets the opportunity to feature against Molde in the Europa League.
The 25-year-old’s chances of playing have been boosted as both Bukayo Saka and Willian have not made the trip.
The pair both came off with injury scares against Leeds on Sunday and Arsenal’s medical team are assessing them, with a possible update on their fitness due on Wednesday.
Arsenal have taken a number of youngsters to Norway, including forward Folarin Balogun and attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
Teenage midfielders Ben Cottrell and Miguel Azeez have also travelled, with the pair hoping to make their senior debuts.
Arsenal currently sit top of their Europa League group and will qualify for the knockout stages on Thursday if they better Rapid Vienna’s result against Dundalk.
The Gunners have won all three of their Group B games, scoring nine goals in the process.
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