Arsenal’s first team stars were put through their paces in training by Unai Emery ahead of their Europa League second round first-leg tie against BATE Borisov in Belarus. 

Out-of-favour playmaker Mesut Ozil was among the players taking part in the session at London Colney.

Emery was wielding a clipboard as he issued instructions to his squad and oversaw a series of drills. 

Playmaker Mesut Ozil will hope for an opportunity to prove his worthto Unai Emery

Alexandre Lacazette has been in fine goalscoring form for the Gunners so far this season

The return leg of their European knockout tie will be at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday February 21, with Europa League success now appearing to be the Gunners most likely route into the Champions League.

Following Manchester United’s resurgent form Arsenal now find themselves in fifth place, one point behind their rivals in the final qualifying spot for Europe’s elite competition.   

In the wake of the club’s 2-1 Premier League win over Huddersfield on Saturday, Emery admitted it would be ‘difficult’ to finish in the top four, but insisted his team would not give up the fight.

He said: ‘After 26 games there is a one-point difference between us and Manchester United.

‘If we ask is it difficult for us, I think it’s difficult, but we can. After 26 games we are on our way and our motivation is very great and we’ve brought our target closer.

‘I am very happy. We were working well. Every player was working and helping each other and today I’m very proud with our work.’ 

Right-back Carl Jenkinson leads his team-mates out onto the training pitch at London Colney

French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has impressed in his debut season in the Premier League

Emery looks to get his instructions across as his players are put through a series of drills

Emery is a noted Europa League specialist, having led Sevilla to the title in 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16. 

The Spaniard also guided Arsenal to an unbeaten group stage campaign, with wins home and away over FK Qarabag and Vorksla Poltava. 

Danny Welbeck grabbed the winner in a crucial away win over Sporting Lisbon, only to suffer a serious ankle injury in the goalless return leg at the Emirates.  

The players completed a series of exercises focusing on their ball control and dribbling

The Spaniard has a clipboard in hand as he makes final preparations for the Europa League tie

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ozil, Granit Xhaka and Sokratis Papastathopoulos have all returned to training after knocks, while Aaron Ramsey is being assessed for a knee problem.

Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and Welbeck remain absent as they recover from long-term injuries.

Lucas Torreira may continue his role at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield on Thursday

Having announced his intention to retire this summer, Petr Cech will want to end with a trophy

Vincent Kompany is likely to sign a contract extension at Manchester City, with growing confidence that he will prolong his stay into a 12th season.

Discussions have been ongoing with Kompany over a new one-year deal and all sides – including manager Pep Guardiola – want to thrash out terms.

The City captain is expected to agree a cut in wages, with a desire to remain at the Etihad Stadium trumping any financial implications of his injury record.

Vincent Kompany is expected to sign a new one-year contract to remain at Manchester City

Kompany has lifted seven major trophies with City, including last season’s Premier League title

Fitness issues have blighted Kompany throughout Guardiola’s time in charge but the central defender has continued to impress when called upon – most notably during last month’s win over Liverpool.

The 32-year-old has not featured since then, however, and has made only 14 appearances this season.

Kompany said that nobody is making ‘hasty decisions’ over his future, although there is an expectation that he will be at the club come next term.

Kompany has impressed during his 14 appearances this season, notably against Liverpool

The defender has struggled with injuries but Pep Guardiola wants him around next season

Kompany is currently in his testimonial year and donating all profits to the Tackle4MCR charity, which helps the area’s homeless and rough sleepers.

Last week’s gala dinner at the Hilton on Deansgate raised more than £200,000. The year will end with a testimonial match in August, for which Kompany hopes to invite back a collection of former team-mates.

The Belgium international has spoken about the potential of Nigel De Jong, Mario Balotelli and Pablo Zabaleta making returns.