Arsene Wenger wants UEFA to review rules which rule Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of Europa League
Arsene Wenger has called on UEFA to alter the rules which have left Arsenal unable to play club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the Europa League.
The Gabon striker, a January arrival from Borussia Dortmund, is unavailable for the Gunners' trip to face Swedish side Ostersund as his former club could come up against Arsenal in the latter rounds, having dropped into the competition after finishing third in their Champions League group.
Another January signing, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, can feature because, although he turned out four times for Manchester United in the Champions League this term, the Red Devils remain in Europe's premier club tournament.
But Wenger, who is also without Alexandre Lacazette after the forward underwent minor knee surgery on Tuesday, believes the regulation is antiquated.
Asked if Aubameyang's absence was caused by an old-fashioned rule, Wenger replied: "Yes. Unanimously, I believe that all the clubs agree now this rule has to disappear in Europe.
"Especially because, for example, he played Dortmund, Dortmund has been reversed in the Europa League and he cannot play.
"When you look at the transfer amounts you spend now, that you have to spend £50, 60, 70million in the middle of the season, that the players cannot play doesn't make sense. Unanimously everywhere in Europe now the clubs are against this rule."
Wenger could yet be accused of being ill-prepared for the threat of Ostersund, a side who came into existence one month after he took the reins at Arsenal in 1996.
The Frenchman admitted he is unsure as to who will captain his side at the Jamtkraft Arena, while also conceding his players will not be used to the artificial surface.
Unlike most other sides playing in Europe, Arsenal opt to prepare at their own London Colney base on the eve of the game rather than taking up the option to train at the stadium.
Wenger said he has no urge to change those plans despite his players being uncertain of the conditions in northern Sweden.
"No because it is really disturbing the organisation and the way we want to prepare for a game and I think we will adapt," he said.
"We have played sometimes indoors. We have an artificial pitch, even if it is completely different.
"I have heard this is 4G, we have 3G, so it is different and outside it is different as well but no matter we have not to make too big a problem with it."
Wenger confirmed Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck will start on Thursday as the Gunners look to head into next week's reverse leg at the Emirates Stadium in good shape.
