Bernd Leno: Arsenal players still fighting for Champions League spot

Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno says the squad have not given up hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

The Gunners are due to return to Premier League action on Wednesday when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad.

Arsenal are currently ninth in the table and eight points off Chelsea, but they do have a game in hand on the Blues.

Finishing fifth could also be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League next season too depending on the outcome of Manchester City’s case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport

And Leno told DFB.de: “I hope we can get into Europe.

“We’re not ruling out the Champions League places because we might get it with just fifth place, given Man City’s possible ban.

“We were in decent form before the break, I just hope we can get back to that when we return and end up in a European spot.

“It (Manchester City away) is a great way to start because we have to go full throttle right from the off - they’re an absolutely top team.

“It’ll be strange to play again after such a long time out and with such little time to prepare, but I’m optimistic about the rest of the season.

“I was at home for nine weeks with my wife and my dogs and we had no contact with anyone.

“It really struck me how much I missed football, the atmosphere in the stadium and that boost of adrenaline you get from playing competitive football.

“I’m just thankful we can get going again next week.”