Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has called on his teammates to "embrace the challenge" of turning around their Champions League last-16 tie with Monaco.

The Gunners head to the Stade Louis II tonight after losing the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium three weeks ago.

Despite doubts over whether Arsenal have what it takes to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2010, Mertesacker is confident that they can pull off a comeback victory.

"There has always been a good mood in the squad and during the season we have responded well at times, but we have to face the truth and show a different face [against Monaco]," he told the club's official website.

"We need to embrace the challenge, that is really important. Monaco have a really good side, they showed that against us, but we are quite confident at the moment and want to put things right."

Arsenal have won all four of their games in all competitions since losing to Monaco in the first leg.