Why are Arsenal not playing in the Europa League tonight?

The Europa League returns tonight with Arsenal very much still in the competition - yet they will not be playing on Thursday.

Arteta's men were in action on Wednesday night against Manchester City, losing 3-1 at the Emirates after goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland secured the win for Pep Guardiola's side.

Attention now turns to the weekend, with the Gunners travelling to Aston Villa for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

As well as their title charge, which was dealt a slight blow against City, they are still aiming to go all the way in this season's Europa League.

Arsenal finished top of Group A ahead of PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt and Zurich.

Arteta and Co enjoyed a great record during the group stage - losing just one game and winning five.

Sportsmail breaks down why they are not in action tonight and when they will next play in the Europa League.

Why are Arsenal not playing in the Europa League tonight?

Arsenal were able to play their rearranged clash with City without any disruptions last night.

That's because the north London club finished top of their Europa League group - meaning they will not feature in the play-off round.

Finishing top of Group A meant the club received a bye into the last-16 stage of the competition.

Manchester United will be in action tonight when they play Barcelona. Erik ten Hag's side finished second in their Europa League group - which means they will have to qualify for the last-16 via the play-offs.

When will the Gunners next play?

The Europa League play-off round gets underway this evening, with eliminated Champions League teams and Europa League group-stage runners up all in action.

The first legs take place tonight (Thursday, February 16) and the second leg will be held next Thursday (February 23).

Arsenal will find out their opponents for the last-16 stage one day later - with the draw taking place on the Friday.

The last-16 first legs will go ahead on Thursday, March 9, with the second legs taking place a week later.

Key dates for the Europa League

Despite their busy fixture list, Arsenal will be looking to go all the way in Europe this season.

The final will take place at the Puskas Arena, Budapest, on Wednesday, May 31.

With the Gunners aiming for a run to the final, the key dates for the competition are as followed: