Arsenal legend Lauren believes his former side could be left behind in the Premier League if they fail to return to the Champions League next season.
After Friday's 1-0 defeat by Everton, Mikel Arteta's men are languishing down in 10th in the Premier League standings with Europa League glory being their only realistic chance of clinching a place in next season's elite club competition.
They face LaLiga outfit Villarreal in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday and Lauren has stressed just how big a match it is for the future of the club.