Arsenal defender Rob Holding believes he will be fit for their Europa League tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Holding hasn't featured for the Gunners since suffering a serious knee injury playing against Manchester United in December.

But the central defender is hopeful of playing some part in Thursday's Europa League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, says the Daily Mail.

After a number of outings for the Under 23's since the start of the season, the former Bolton Wanderers central defender believes he is finally ready to make his first-team return, news which will come as a major boost to manager Unai Emery following their capitulation against Watford on Sunday where they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2.

Holding's pending return leaves Sokratis or David Luiz in danger of losing their place in the starting XI, particularly following their horror show against the Hornets.