Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that his first-team squad cannot afford to worry about suffering a fifth successive defeat in all competitions.

Wenger and his players have been heavily criticised for their recent results and performances, and the Gunners are the underdogs ahead of the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with AC Milan.

However, Wenger has encouraged his players to take a positive mentality into Thursday's encounter at San Siro.

At a press conference, the Frenchman told reporters: "I think first of all, the players are a bit affected because they want to win. In life you forget quickly how good you are. Players change their mind quickly.

"Focus on what you can do better and realise what you didn't do well and don't be too worried about the consequences of a bad result."

Wenger has revealed that both Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal will miss the game in Italy due to injury.