The Gunners earned a spot in the group stages of the European competition courtesy of winning last season's FA Cup and will be looking to make an impression in the tournament.

Mikel Arteta's side will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, but the capital outfit have shown signs of improvement this term.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the meeting with Rapid Vienna, who are currently second in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Shkodran Mustafi

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi is helped off the pitch against Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final on July 18. © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: Unknown

Shkodran Mustafi is now in training for the Gunners as he works his way back from a hamstring operation, but it is unclear when the Germany international will be available for first-team selection.

Pablo Mari

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari lies injured against Man City on June 17, 2020 © Reuters

Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown

The centre-back is not too far away from recovering from the ankle injury that he picked up against Man City immediately after the lockdown period and should return to full training in the next couple of weeks.

Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe pictured in December 2019 © Reuters

Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Shoulder
Possible return date: October 22 (vs. Rapid Vienna)

Emile Smith Rowe picked up a shoulder problem during a training session earlier this month, which required him to spend a few days in a protective sling. The attacker returned to full training on Friday, though, and could be involved for the Gunners in their Europa League opener.

Gabriel Martinelli

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Gabriel Martinelli has been on the sidelines since undergoing knee surgery in the middle of July. The youngster is currently working in the gym, though, and should return to full first-team training before the end of 2020.

Calum Chambers

Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: Unknown

Calum Chambers is still recovering from the serious knee injury that he picked up last December. The Englishman could be back in training before the end of the month, though, suggesting that he will be available for selection before the end of 2020.

Rob Holding

Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Hamstring
Possible return date: October 22 (vs. Rapid Vienna)

Rob Holding picked up a hamstring issue in the warm up ahead of Saturday's clash with Man City, which saw David Luiz come into the starting XI. The central defender has been sent for a scan to determine the seriousness of the issue, but he could yet be available for Thursday's encounter.