Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs will miss both legs of the Champions League play-off against Besiktas with a hamstring injury.

Gibbs, 24, could be missing for up to three weeks after suffering the injury in Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.

That could mean a recall for Per Mertesacker, who returned late for pre-season training after helping Germany to World Cup success.

Striker Yaya Sanogo has not travelled to Turkey for Tuesday's first leg.

But defender Laurent Koscielny is fit after recovering from an Achilles problem.

On Mertesacker's possible inclusion, Wenger confirmed: "It was our plan to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton on Saturday, but in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker.

"It is a bit early for him.

"Ideally we would need one more week preparation, but he is willing to play, no problem."

Arsenal will face Slaven Bilic's side at the 72,000-capacity Ataturk Olympic Stadium, where Liverpool beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final, as Besiktas's Vodafone Arena is being redeveloped.

Besiktas, runners-up in last season's Turkish championship defeated Dutch side Feyenoord 5-2 on aggregate in the third round of qualifying, with former Chelsea striker Demba Ba scoring a hat-trick in the second leg.

Midfielder Atiba Hutchinson has a hamstring problem and is rated as only 50-50.

Arsenal defeated another Turkish club, Fenerbahce, at the same stage last season.


http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28784340

Match to be played tomorrow.

Front page mod

mod front page. up arsenal

Best arsenal can get is a draw. Quote me later

OMG.

luvola: Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs will miss both legs of the Champions League play-off against Besiktas with a hamstring injury.

Gibbs, 24, could be missing for up to three weeks after suffering the injury in Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.

That could mean a recall for Per Mertesacker, who returned late for pre-season training after helping Germany to World Cup success.

Striker Yaya Sanogo has not travelled to Turkey for Tuesday's first leg.

But defender Laurent Koscielny is fit after recovering from an Achilles problem.

On Mertesacker's possible inclusion, Wenger confirmed: "It was our plan to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton on Saturday, but in case of emergency I will take Mertesacker.

"It is a bit early for him.

"Ideally we would need one more week preparation, but he is willing to play, no problem."

Arsenal will face Slaven Bilic's side at the 72,000-capacity Ataturk Olympic Stadium, where Liverpool beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final, as Besiktas's Vodafone Arena is being redeveloped.

Besiktas, runners-up in last season's Turkish championship defeated Dutch side Feyenoord 5-2 on aggregate in the third round of qualifying, with former Chelsea striker Demba Ba scoring a hat-trick in the second leg.

Midfielder Atiba Hutchinson has a hamstring problem and is rated as only 50-50.

Arsenal defeated another Turkish club, Fenerbahce, at the same stage last season.


http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28784340

I LIKE SOCCER

I see arsenal winning it or at least gain an advantage for return leg.



TEAMBLAUGRANA

#Team Besiktas .

Anything Arsenal Front-page, No Wahala.
You guys will be shocked today & I can't wait to be in all Smiles and Grins.

Besiktas make una no fall my hand. Hammer them (goners) 4:0

OK

Arsenal: always playin playoff since 360AD... Alexis sanchez Vs besiktas...

Gunners all the way

Let me grab dis spot

Booked.

Ok!

It's from this WHOT that I learnt that the heart of man is very wicked, just announce last card lasan, you'll hear "pick 3 up to 5 times"

Despite the hostility of Turkey fans, Arsenal would carry the day. I see Ramsey scoring tonight.

COYG!

If @Arsenal fail to win later today, i'll willinqly sell dis space..
Start bookinq NOW!!!

We qon beat'em silly..
UP GUNNERS!!!

;DArsenal get plenty enemy o ..... ;DArsenal get plenty enemy o .....

lilbazy: Arsenal: always playin playoff since 360AD... Alexis sanchez Vs besiktas...

lilbazy: Arsenal: always playin playoff since 360AD... Alexis sanchez Vs besiktas...

we are going there to take the 3 points,
Final score Arsenal 3 Besiktas 1
goalscorers=giroud, sanchez, cazorla, and Demba ba

up gunners

Can't wait to meet besiktas in group stage draw!


Arsenal! nothing for una dis time.

Arsenal+all seasons=playoff

booked

COYG

Arsenal dey hot this season oo