Arsenal have a night off from European football (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Arsenal are currently vying for their first Premier League title since 2004 following an impressive first half of the season.

However, the Gunners suffered a setback in the 3-1 defeat to title rivals Manchester City at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Their quest for the league title will become further complicated when their Europa League campaign gets back underway shortly.

But with the Europa League knock-stage beginning today, some fans have been left baffled as to why Arsenal are not playing this week.

Here is everything you need to know.

Why aren’t Arsenal playing in the Europa League?

Before Christmas, Arsenal finished first in their Europa League group ahead of PSV, Bodo/Glimt and Zurich.

Arsenal topped their group (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

As group winners they progressed straight through to the Europa League Round of 16.

The play-off round, which takes place on February 16 and 23, will feature the eight teams that finished third in their Champions League group against the eight teams that finished second in the Europa League group stage.

The winners of the play-off ties will advance to the Round of 16, which is when Arsenal will next play in the competition.

More: Arsenal FC

The Round of 16 draw will take place on Friday, February 24.

Arsenal will be seeded in the draw, meaning that they will play one of the play-off winners.

The first legs will be held on Thursday, March 9, with the return legs set for Thursday, March 16.

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No European duty for the Gunners.