Bernd Leno says it's been "difficult" having to sit on the bench during Arsenal's Europa League campaign.

The German goalkeeper has been Arsenal's number one for the Premier League, but back-up Petr Cech has been favoured in the continental competition.

Speaking ahead of the semi-final second leg against Valencia, with the Gunners holding a 3-1 aggregate lead, Leno told DAZN DACH: "It's difficult because I want to play every big game and now the games are big and important.

"But I also have to respect Petr because we push each other. Petr is a legend and still a very good goalkeeper.

"The manager decided that I'm the first choice in the Premier League and that Petr was playing in the Europa League. At the end you have to respect it.

"I have to focus on every game in the Premier League and if I'm not playing in the Europa League I am focused on the bench because you never know."