Europa League last 16 draw: Arsenal to play Rennes while Chelsea paired with Dynamo Kiev

The English sides have learned their last 16 fate

Sarri says Chelsea going through 'difficult moment'

Chelsea will face a trip to Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine in the last 16 of the Europa League, where Arsenal take on French club Rennes.

Friday's draw in Nyon was not protected by any seeding but teams from Russia and Ukraine were kept apart. Dynamo Kiev were first out against Chelsea.

The first legs of the last-16 ties are set for March 7, when both Premier League teams will be at home.

The returns will taking place on March 14 as the London clubs look to stay on course for the final in Baku. Relive the draw below.

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Key Points

• Arsenal to play French side Rennes
• Chelsea to play Ukrainian Premier League runners-up Dynamo Kiev

[22 February 2019 11:33 · Kishan Vaghela]

Of course, one of the biggest sides still remaining in the competition is Inter Milan.

Inter Milan however have had commensurate drama to Arsenal and Chelsea this season, with Radja Nainggolan suspended around the festive period.

That came before striker Mauro Icardi was stripped of the captaincy, since which the Argentine has not played for Inter.

However, manager Luciano Spalletti would not be drawn on whether his side would fare better without the 26-year-old after their 4-0 win against Rapid Vienna last night.

"We are improving and making fewer silly mistakes than before, but it is not fair to connect this to something else which has happened during his period," Spalletti said.

"We should look at this from the correct angle which is that the team is working hard and making fewer mistakes."

[22 February 2019 11:50 · Kishan Vaghela]

So, just 10 minutes to go until the draw in Nyon in Switzerland for the next round of the Europa League.

With the battle for the top four in the Premier League more intense than ever before, the Europa League represents a viable second option for Champions League qualification for Arsenal and Chelsea.

However, should the draw pit the city rivals against each other, the drama of a difficult season for both Unai Emery and Maurizio Sarri would continue.

[22 February 2019 11:57 · Kishan Vaghela]

Here's a reminder of the 16 teams involved:

Arsenal

Benfica

Chelsea

Dinamo Zagreb

Dynamo Kiev

Eintracht Frankfurt

Inter Milan

Krasnodar

Napoli

Rennes

Salzburg

Sevilla

Slavia Prague

Valencia

Villarreal

Zenit

[22 February 2019 12:07 · Kishan Vaghela]

So, the usual highlights and introductions taking place currently in Nyon, with Italian legend Giorgio Marchetti now on stage.

He is then joined by the Europa League final ambassador and former Valencia and Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop. 

The 45-year-old is currently coaching UD Ibiza.

[22 February 2019 12:10 · Kishan Vaghela]

So, we're nearly there. Drum rolls at the ready........

[22 February 2019 12:12 · Kishan Vaghela]

And the first team out of the hat is.....

CHELSEA!

[22 February 2019 12:13 · Kishan Vaghela]

And they will face......

Dynamo Kiev!

[22 February 2019 12:13 · Kishan Vaghela]

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Inter Milan

[22 February 2019 12:14 · Kishan Vaghela]

Dinamo Zagreb vs Benfica

[22 February 2019 12:15 · Kishan Vaghela]

Napoli vs Salzburg