Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta hands the USMNT goalkeeper a rare start inbetween the sticks in their Europa League last-16 first-leg
The goalkeeper replaces Aaron Ramsdale behind the Gunners' defence as Arteta’s side look to take an aggregate lead back to north London next week. Arsenal's trip to the Estadio Jose Alvalade provides Arteta an opportunity to hand much-needed rests to his star players ahead of a hectic end-of-season schedule.
The 28-year-old started in the opening four of Arsenal's Europa League group fixtures, keeping four clean sheets against FC Zurich, Bodo/Glimt and PSV Eindhoven. Ramsdale was selected in the final two games for the defeat at PSV and crucial win over Zurich.
Turner's other two appearances have come in the FA Cup. However, Arsenal's exit in the fourth round at the hands of Man City has meant opportunities have been restricted for Turner until the return of European football.
Despite Turner's lack of minutes in England, Arteta has been full of praise for the USMNT goalkeeper this season. After the 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt in October, Arteta said: "He's improving, he's getting better, obviously we're asking him different things from what other managers have asked him to do.
"He was much better in the first half than in the second half in my opinion. We could have had some more control.
“But I think he was phenomenal in the goal in situations especially when defending the area in behind the centre halves, and in the one-against-one situations he was really good.”