Arsenal's Alex Iwobi hopes to be fit to face Atletico Madrid
Monday 30 April 2018 22:48, UK
Alex Iwobi is confident he will be fit for Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Nigerian international played 90 minutes during the Gunners' 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday but Arsene Wenger revealed after the match Iwobi had injured his hamstring.
However, Iwobi does not believe the injury to be serious and is optimistic he will be able to take part in Thursday's game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
"I believe it is very good. I am still being assessed but to me it is good and I will be okay," Iwobi told Sky Sports News.
When asked if he will be ready to face Atletico, Iwobi replied: "We will have to wait and see but I believe I will be okay and fit."
Arsenal's tie with Atletico is delicately poised after the sides battled to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates on Thursday.
The Gunners looked they had a good opportunity to take a lead into the second leg when Sime Vrsaljko was sent off after 10 minutes and Alexandre Lacazette gave them a deserved lead just after the hour mark.
However, Antoine Griezmann scored a valuable away goal with eight minutes remaining to ensure Arsenal will need to score at least once in Madrid if they are to progress.
Despite the late setback, Iwobi insists Arsenal are confident they can progress and says the squad are determined to send outgoing manager Arsene Wenger out on a high by winning the final in Lyon on May 16.
"We are really motivated - especially by what he has done for the club," Iwobi said. "We are trying to make him end the season on a high.
"And not just for him but for ourselves as well so we are doing our best to get the result.
"We are very confident. We were unfortunate not to get the result we wanted against them in the first leg but we are very confident and believe we can go to the final."
