Chuba Akpom did not train with Arsenal first team on Wednesday morning ahead of their Europa League clash against Cologne.

Arsenal youth-team expert Jeorge Bird has revealed that no outfield youngsters, including Chuba Akpom, trained with the first-team today.

But the ex-England U21 striker remains in contention to make his first ever appearance in the Europa League on Thursday as he was in the provisional squad that jetted off to Germany this afternoon.

In the first four matches in Group H of the Europa League, Akpom made the match day squads but was not utilized by manager Arsene Wenger off the bench.

Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi was also on the plane to Germany, and it's a country he has fond memories of on a personal level.

He made his first appearance in a European club competition as Arsenal were thrashed 5-1 by Bayern Munich in a Champions League tie at Allianz Arena just over two years ago.

The Gunners advanced to the next round of the Europa League with two games to spare following their goalless draw with Red Star Belgrade three weeks ago.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com