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Unai Emery says Alexandre Lacazette might not start on Thursday against Rennes in the Europa League.

The French striker got the marching order against Bate Borisov during Arsenal’s last 32 encounter and was initially suspended for three matches. He missed the return leg against Borisov and also had to sit out against Rennes.

But with UEFA reducing his suspension the French striker is now available at Emery’s disposal for this crucial tie. The Gunners lost the first leg 3-1 in France and will need a couple of goals to see them through to the last eight of the Europa League when they face them at the Emirates on Thursday.

Despite having Lacazette back Emery has hinted he might start with a single striker upfront. “We are playing with different systems, with different players.

“We can play with two strikers, we can play with one. Tomorrow I am thinking not only of the first XI, because I think we are going to need different situations, maybe different systems and maybe different players.

“All players are very important. We can play with Lacazette and Auba, or we could play with one.

“I think we are going to need different possibilities if the match is going one way or another.”