Gabriel Jesus was named in Arsenal's starting XI for their Europa League clash with Sporting CP.

Jesus returned from injury as a second-half substitute in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Fulham on Sunday, a victory that moved them five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The former Manchester City forward had not featured since sustaining a knee injury while on duty with Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Jesus' last goal came at the start of October, in a 3-1 defeat of Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham.

With the last-16 tie against Sporting level at 2-2 after the first leg in Lisbon, Mikel Arteta selected Jesus to lead Arsenal's line at Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

Reiss Nelson kept his starting place from the first leg, with Gabriel Martinelli completing the front three as Bukayo Saka dropped to the bench.

Matt Turner, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior started in Lisbon, but Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Magalhaes came into the defence for the rematch, with Jorginho, Fabio Vieira and Granit Xhaka keeping their places in midfield.

William Saliba put Arsenal ahead on March 9 before Goncalo Inacio and Paulinho turned matters around, but Hidemasa Morita's own goal ensured the second leg would start on level terms.

Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey were the first-team regulars named alongside Saka on the bench, with Arteta juggling progress in Europe with the Gunners' title charge – they face Crystal Palace at home on Sunday.

Lisandro Martinez is relishing the pressure of his position at Manchester United, with the Argentina international keen to meet the club's "demands" for success.

The centre-back was one of Erik ten Hag's flagship recruits ahead of the 2022-23 season, following the Dutchman from Ajax to Old Trafford.

Since then, Martinez has tasted silverware with both club and country, helping United to the EFL Cup and Argentina to World Cup glory.

That pressure to continue to deliver this season does not faze him however, with the defender delighted to be ensuring he meets expectations.

"I feel [like I have been] at home since the first day here," he told the club's website.

"When I [first] put my foot in Carrington, I remember it was an amazing feeling.

"In a quick time, we [have got] the first trophy. We have to work for everything, we have to believe.

"This club demands to win every game, every title. We are happy to take that responsibility."

Though an outside chance of Premier League success looks to have faded now, United remain in serious contention for both the FA Cup and Europa League this term.

Martinez will be expected to feature on Thursday when Ten Hag's side play the second leg of their last-16 tie with Real Betis at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Despite holding a 4-1 lead from the first leg, he is under no illusion that their hosts are more than capable of a dramatic comeback, and insists United must be at their best to progress.

"[In] the game, we start [at] 0-0," he added. "We have to be ready. We need full focus because it's going to be a hard game for us.

"If you are not focused, you can lose this game. The first leg was a great result for us, but it doesn't say anything. In football everything can happen, so we have to be ready."

Angel Di Maria and Federico Chiesa remain in contention to play in Juventus' Europa League last-16 second leg against SC Freiburg despite injury worries.

Di Maria appeared hampered by a left thigh injury late in the 1-0 first-leg win last Thursday, where he earlier netted the winner, and subsequently missed Juventus' 4-2 Serie A win over Sampdoria on Sunday.

Chiesa came on in the 67th minute against Freiburg but sustained a right knee injury, although the club confirmed it was not ligament capsule damage.

Bianconeri head coach Massimiliano Allegri hopeful that the pair would play some part in the second leg, although he conceded they would not be fit to start.

"It is very unlikely they will be there from the start, as we only recovered them this morning, but they could be of use during the match," Allegri told reporters.

"I will evaluate Chiesa and Di Maria tomorrow morning and from there I can make my decision on the starting line-up.

"Unfortunately, Di Maria had this injury after the first leg with Freiburg and had to miss quite a few training sessions.

"The test went well today, that doesn’t mean he has a lot of minutes in his legs, but there is the risk we could lose him for 40 days, seeing as that is what happened in September.

"Tomorrow is important, but we also have many more matches to play this season."

Di Maria has scored eight goals in all competitions with four Serie Aa assists this term, while Chiesa has contributed three league assists with one goal.

Allegri declared striker Dusan Vlahovic was fully fit and available to play although he declined to commit to starting him alongside Moise Kean.

Vlahovic has not scored in his past six appearances dating back to his goal against Nantes in the Europa League on February 16.

"Dusan Vlahovic was very sad that he hasn't scored recently, but is fine physically. I am relaxed and certain that he’ll soon be back on the scoresheet," Allegri added.

"We want to score here, because just trying to defend for 0-0 is really not a good idea. Freiburg are good on set plays, we need to be very organised and concentrated for the full 100 minutes."

Erik ten Hag ruled out rotating his Manchester United squad for their Europa League second leg at Real Betis despite a testing schedule.

United head away to their LaLiga opponents on Thursday with a 4-1 advantage at the halfway point in their last-16 tie.

With a comfortable three-goal cushion and an FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham to come on Sunday, there had been suggestions Ten Hag would alter his XI.

But the Dutchman said he would name what he considers his strongest team for the clash, intending to treat the match with the respect he believes it deserves.

"It is always serious," he said. "We will play our best team. We have to put up a team that can adapt during the game.

"We know our opponent can, as they have really good players. We have to be ready to battle with them."

There is an added risk with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who would be suspended if they were booked in Spain. Casemiro is already banned from domestic action.

But Ten Hag said: "They will play, both. It is a very good opponent. We need to go again. We need our best players and our best team."

United will be without several of their attacking talents for the trip, however, with Antony out through illness and Alejandro Garnacho ruled out with an ankle injury sustained against Southampton.

The teenager looks set to face a prolonged absence, with Ten Hag adding: "I can't say exactly [when he will be back]. It will take weeks, it is a serious injury."

The manager remained irate over the challenge from Saints full-back Kyle Walker-Peters that sidelined his player, although he assured Garnacho will return before the end of the season.

"Once again, after Christian Eriksen, we have a serious injury after a contact," Ten Hag said. "He will be back before the end of the season. We need to get him back as soon as possible, and we hope he is ready."

Mikel Arteta named Rafael Nadal as his number one idol and joked he hopes the tennis great chooses to attend an Arsenal game over Tottenham.

The Arsenal manager was asked to name the person – sports star or otherwise – he admires most in wake of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola revealing Hollywood A-lister Julia Roberts was one of his idols.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg against Sporting CP, Arteta said: "Off the top of my head, Nadal is someone I've admired for a long, long time.

"His mentality, what he's won, the way he's done it, the way he's bounced back – he's top of my list for sure."

Guardiola, who named Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan as his other idols, quipped he felt upset that Roberts decided to visit City's fierce rivals Manchester United when she visited the city seven years ago.

Asked if he hoped Real Madrid supporter Nadal would opt for Arsenal over fellow north London side Tottenham, Arteta said: "I hope so."

Arteta had every right to be in high spirits when speaking to reporters on Wednesday, with his side five points clear of City at the top of the Premier League after easing to a 3-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.

Arsenal's focus now switches to the Europa League and the visit of Sporting, who they are locked at 2-2 with after last week's entertaining first leg in Portugal.

Rather than seeing the match as a distraction ahead of facing Crystal Palace in their final league match before the international break, Arteta is relishing playing in front of a large home crowd in a European competition.

"We haven't had a big European night for three years," he said. "Hopefully it will be a really good atmosphere and we can enjoy it.

"We know Sporting are a good team and they'll provide a challenge."

Much like ahead of the first leg, Arteta was unwilling to give much away in terms of team selection, but he did provide a positive update on Gabriel Jesus after the striker's return from a four-month lay-off against Fulham.

"It was great to see him back. You can feel the happiness of everyone around him - we missed him and now he's back," Arteta said.

"We have to manage his minutes, his involvement. He's feeling good and every day he's training he says his sensations are better so that's really positive.

"As for the team, we're looking to do the same as we did in Lisbon but we know we're going to have to do better than we did last week."

Alejandro Garnacho has withdrawn from the Argentina squad for two upcoming friendlies and will miss a string of key games for Manchester United, the injured teenage winger has announced.

The 18-year-old came off the bench in United's 0-0 draw with Southampton on Sunday and went down hurt during the latter stages after a challenge from Kyle Walker-Peters.

The Southampton defender won the ball on the stretch in the penalty area, but Garnacho's right ankle appeared to get trapped between Walker-Peters' legs.

Walker-Peters and Garnacho have exchanged pleasantries on social media since the incident, with no hard feelings, but United's exciting young talent faces a spell on the sidelines.

"It is difficult to put into words how I'm feeling right now," Garnacho wrote on Instagram.

"Unfortunately I will not be able to help my team and team-mates in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United.

"I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my team-mates of the Argentinian national team in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family.

"This is part of football and our profession, however, I am already focused in my recovery. God has taught me to never give up and I will make sure I am back stronger than ever!"

Garnacho left Old Trafford on crutches after the Southampton game and will miss the Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday, plus the FA Cup game against Fulham on Saturday.

He will also sit out Argentina's friendlies against Panama and Curacao during the international window, missing a chance to team up with Lionel Messi and co after the Albiceleste's World Cup triumph.

It remains to be seen whether he is fit in time for club duty by April 2, when domestic football resumes for the Red Devils with a trip to Newcastle United.

Wout Weghorst is still revelling in the "special" feeling of scoring his first Manchester United goal at Old Trafford, having waited "too long" to break his duck at the Theatre of Dreams.

At the ninth attempt since his loan move from Burnley, the Netherlands international finally netted his first home goal in the commanding 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Europa League.

That marked Weghorst's second strike in 15 appearances, though the 30-year-old's work rate has been widely praised despite his modest goal return.

Reacting quickly in the box to turn home after Scott McTominay's shot had been saved by Claudio Bravo, Weghorst's sheer relief was evident.

"Yes, I think you could [see] it," he told United's official website. "[It was a] great feeling and, of course, I had to wait a long time for it – too long.

"[I'm] really happy. I got my goal, so that was a great feeling with the stadium, in front of the Stretford End. It was special."

United's performance against Betis on Thursday provided a timely response to their humbling 7-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield four days earlier.

Weghorst found himself at the centre of controversy after that loss, with footage emerging of him touching the 'This Is Anfield' sign in the tunnel ahead of kick-off, a gesture usually associated with Liverpool players rather than their opponents.

He claimed he was simply trying to wind up compatriot Virgil van Dijk as he attempted to prevent the defender from touching the sign.

But he got himself back in United fans' good books on Thursday, and he was thrilled to have played a part in helping the Red Devils bounce back.

"That was what we wanted, to give a reaction after the defeat that was, of course, not acceptable. It [was] not our level, not our standards and definitely something we should avoid, and have to avoid for the future.

"We were really [happy] to get a reaction and to show us, and I think that's what we did [against Betis]."

Erik ten Hag's side will look to continue that momentum against Southampton – the Premier League's bottom team – to tighten their grip on third place.

Frenkie de Jong has declared he has no intention of leaving Barcelona amid continued links with Manchester United.

The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the off-season but it never materialised despite the best efforts of United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag to convince him.

The situation was complicated by De Jong's contractual situation with financially embattled Barcelona, turning it into a drawn-out saga, fuelling talk United could move for him again at the end of this season.

But De Jong has made clear that he has no intention to depart Camp Nou, where he is contracted until 2026.

"I was calm because I knew I wanted to stay at Barca and I haven't changed my mind," De Jong told RAC1.

"I had always dreamed of playing for Barcelona and I want to succeed at Barca. Right now I'm calm and I want to continue at Barca."

De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, added that he had plenty left to achieve with the Catalans.

"I've never won LaLiga," he said. "It's my fourth year here and it's the time I've been closer. But there is still a long way to go.

"It is our main goal and we will give everything to achieve it."

De Jong has made 18 starts with four appearances off the bench in Barcelona's 24 LaLiga games this term, ensuring he has been a key part of their success, sitting nine points clear with 14 games to play.

"The four-midfielder system benefits me, but beyond that, this year I'm playing more at the base of midfield, where I feel more comfortable," he said.

"And then, I have more freedom to move, to drive and overcome lines. Busquets helps me a lot because he transmits a lot of calmness. He's very confident with the ball and defensively he's much better than people think."

Roma may have won 2-0 over Real Sociedad in their Europa League last-16 first leg but head coach Jose Mourinho refused to call it a good result.

Goals from Stephan Al Shaarawy and substitute Marash Kumbulla secured the home victory which gives the Giallorossi a significant advantage ahead of the return leg in San Sebastian.

Despite that, Mourinho was not satisfied, urging caution with a quarter-final spot at stake.

"This 2-0 is only good if we don't lose by three in the second leg," Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia. "I will never say it's a good result after the first leg."

Mourinho acknowledged Roma have a complicated schedule around the second leg on Thursday 16 March, with a Derby della Capitale against Lazio three days later.

"Now we have a dangerous week," the Portuguese said. "After the return with Real Sociedad we play against Lazio, even if for me playing with them is like playing with Milan or Juve, but in this city it is not like that."

Roma actually had only 40 per cent possession against Sociedad, yet generated three shots on target compared to the Spanish side's one.

Despite not declaring it a good result, Mourinho said his side controlled the game and deserved the win.

"I liked the organisation, the effort and the empathy on the pitch," Mourinho said.

"We all helped each other. It’s hard to play against teams who field a midfield diamond. We faced it against Empoli and RB Salzburg, but it's difficult.

"We needed a strong mentality because when you don't have the ball for a long time, mentality is crucial. We controlled the match despite having less possession."

Roma may have won 2-0 over Real Sociedad in their Europa League last-16 first leg but head coach Jose Mourinho refused to call it a good result.

Goals from Stephan Al Shaarawy and substitute Marash Kumbulla secured the home victory which gives the Giallorossi a significant advantage ahead of the return leg in San Sebastian.

Despite that, Mourinho was not satisfied, urging caution with a quarter-final spot at stake.

"This 2-0 is only good if we don't lose by three in the second leg," Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia. "I will never say it's a good result after the first leg."

Mourinho acknowledged Roma have a complicated schedule around the second leg on Thursday 16 March, with a Derby della Capitale against Lazio three days later.

"Now we have a dangerous week," the Portuguese said. "After the return with Real Sociedad we play against Lazio, even if for me playing with them is like playing with Milan or Juve, but in this city it is not like that."

Roma actually had only 40 per cent possession against Sociedad, yet generated three shots on target compared to the Spanish side's one.

Despite not declaring it a good result, Mourinho said his side controlled the game and deserved the win.

"I liked the organisation, the effort and the empathy on the pitch," Mourinho said.

"We all helped each other. It’s hard to play against teams who field a midfield diamond. We faced it against Empoli and RB Salzburg, but it's difficult.

"We needed a strong mentality because when you don't have the ball for a long time, mentality is crucial. We controlled the match despite having less possession."

Manuel Locatelli saluted "phenomenon" Angel Di Maria, stating his Juventus team-mate is "in another category" after their narrow win over Freiburg.

Di Maria scored the only goal as the Bianconeri drew first blood in the opening leg of the Europa League last-16 tie, thumping home a header from Filip Kostic's 53rd-minute cross.

Following his hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round, the World Cup winner has now been directly involved in 10 goals in 2023 (scored seven, assisted three).

The 35-year-old revealed he is in talks with Juve over extending his 12-month contract, which expires at the end of the season, and Locatelli hailed his team-mate's influence on the side.

"Angel is a phenomenon, he's in another category, I think he's really a champion," the midfielder said. "For us, it's an honour to have him with us in training and in the game. We have to be thankful that he is here.

"We are only 1-0 up, today was only the first half, we must play a mature game there [in Freiburg next week]. The 1-0 may be enough, but we have to go there and play a great game.

Although they lead, Juventus will feel their advantage should be greater, having converted just one of their 20 shots on goal during the first leg.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his players to demonstrate a greater clinical edge, though he also encouraged Dusan Vlahovic to stay patient with the striker now having gone five matches without finding the net.

"We have to improve in the number of goals scored," Allegri said. "We create enough, the [conversion] percentage is low. We need lucidity when we attack the area, we have to improve.

"I'm happy because physically Dusan is much better, he has to be calm. Maybe on Sunday [against Sampdoria], he will score."

Erik ten Hag hailed Manchester United's character after a 4-1 victory over Real Betis got his side back on track.

Not hindered by the humiliating result against Liverpool on Sunday, United bounced back at Old Trafford to take command of their Europa League round of 16 tie.

Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst were on target in a dominant win that put one foot in the quarter-finals and lifted the club's spirits.

Given the pressure heading into the game, Ten Hag felt the performance showed once again the team can respond to setbacks.

"I think we played a very good game. At half time, we should have been up 3-0, but it was 1-1, we made one mistake and were punished for it, but I think we played well," he told BT Sport.

"We scored good goals, it was a good performance, it gave something to the fans, and they gave us something back as well, they were behind us and we're very grateful after Sunday.

"There was a good attitude from the start, we were on the front foot and we were good on the ball, finding the spare man in midfield and making good switches, making good runs behind and creating a lot of chances, so we are happy today.

"You always have to see how a team reacts after a setback and this is not the first time this season, I think it's five or six times, we can reset, we can bounce back, this team has character."

Angel Di Maria revealed he is in talks with Juventus over a new contract after his header saw off Freiburg in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

The Argentina international settled the opening leg at the Allianz Stadium when he powered home Filip Kostic's 53rd-minute cross for his fourth goal in this season's competition.

Di Maria, who also netted a hat-trick against Nantes in the previous round, has now been directly involved in seven goals in his last six European appearances.

The 35-year-old endured an injury-hit start to life in Turin after signing a 12-month deal last July, but has already registered 10 goal involvements in 2023 (seven goals, three assists).

Bruno Fernandes and Toulouse's Branco van den Boomen are the only other midfielders in Europe's top five leagues to hit double figures in the calendar year.

Di Maria's future is uncertain, but he said negotiations to extend his stint with Juve are ongoing.

"I'm happy to have helped the team, we are doing a good job and we must continue like this," he told Sky. "The important thing was to win, and we did it.

"We will do our best [to reach the final of this competition]. We will try to win both the Coppa Italia and the Europa League.

"We're talking, I'm happy here, and I'm finally feeling the affection of the people after a difficult start."

Allegri also hailed Di Maria's impact, while saluting his side's display ahead of the second leg in Germany next week.

"Tonight, [Di Maria] scored a wonderful goal but, above all, he gave an extraordinary performance.

"We played a very good match tonight, with great intensity and good technically. The only thing we missed too many times was the last pass. We could have chosen better and that made the difference.

"In Freiburg, it won't be easy, but the thing that makes me think positive is that they will give us spaces, and we will have to exploit them."

Marcus Rashford highlighted the importance of Manchester United's Europa League victory over Real Betis after the humiliation against Liverpool.

An unchanged United side bounced back from Sunday's Anfield rout with a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford to take command of the round of 16 tie.

Rashford opened the scoring with his 26th goal of an outstanding season, with Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst on target in the second half after Ayoze Perez had equalised for the visitors.

While the win will not wipe away the pain experienced on Merseyside, it put United back on track and Rashford says there must be more to come. 

"It's always important to win the next fixture, it's the only way for us to bounce back and try to continue the momentum we had before that game," he told BT Sport.

"So I'm pleased we managed to win the game and it has put us in a good way in the tie.

"We always try to start quick, a goal always helps that. I thought they defended the box quite well in the first half, the second half it opened up a bit more, as we expected with the game being 1-1, so we're pleased to win the game and start the tie in the right way.

"It's a step back in the right direction. We have to build on this now to gain momentum again, we can't put too much emphasis on something that has gone, we can't change it, but we have to look forward now."

Mikel Arteta did not hide his frustration with Arsenal's performance in Thursday's 2-2 draw with Sporting CP, but Fabio Vieira's display brought him a degree of pleasure.

The Gunners took the lead in the first half when William Saliba headed in from Vieira's corner, only for their hosts to level in similar circumstances just past the half-hour mark at the Jose Alvalade.

Paulinho put Sporting in front after the break with a tap-in, but Hidemasa Morita's own goal seven minutes later ultimately secured Arsenal a draw to take back to Emirates Stadium for the return leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

The draw puts Arsenal – who have only lost at home twice all season – in a decent position ahead of the second leg, but Arteta feels they can do better, even considering the somewhat unfamiliar look to his starting XI.

"We are conceding too many simple goals," he told reporters.

"We spoke about the importance of boxes, especially in a competition where you're in or out. [On Thursday], we didn't defend that well enough, and we have to be better at threatening the opponents as well.

"But of course, you have an opponent there. We've played some really emotional games recently.

"We made a lot of changes and sometimes that takes time to get that cohesion, and you could feel it in the first 15 minutes that it needed some time to adapt and click.

"If we don't expose them, though, that's never going to happen."

He added: "When you concede two poor goals like we did away from home in Europe, it's very difficult to get a positive result.

"The game had different phases because we gave too many simple balls away in our own half and gave them the capacity to [exploit] transition moments, which they are good at.

"In other moments we had total control of the game and we lost a little bit of threat, especially with the four players we are missing in our frontline.

"There were some positives because we showed a lot of resilience to get back into the game, but we need to defend our box much better and be better on Sunday."

Vieira's performance was a surely one of those positives.

The Portugal international was given only his 13th start of the season, but his delivery for Saliba's opener was his sixth assist already – only Bukayo Saka (nine) has more for the Gunners this term, and he has played almost 1,600 minutes more than Vieira.

Arteta clearly values the former Porto midfielder.

"I'm really happy with him," he added. "I think he deserves more minutes than he's had, especially in the last two months.

"Obviously he had a difficult start because he was injured for two months after a surgery, and wasn't at the level that we want.

"You saw tonight he was probably our most dangerous player. He was always making things happen. He's a player that I absolutely love."