Arsenal faced Lyon yesterday in the 2019 Emirates Cup and fans got to see both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette start.
But the excitement of seeing the players in action turned a little sour when in the 12th minute, Lacazette was forced off the field.
The striker needed some treatment to be done on his ankle and was substitute presumably because the North London club did not want to take a risk.
It looked to be a serious issue at first glance but Unai Emery has confirmed that the problem is not that serious. According to Arsenal’s official website, he said:
‘We are thinking it’s not important, he decided with the doctor and with me that it is better to take no more risk. He tried to continue playing but I think it was better in the pre-season to take patience.
‘The doctor said to me he is going to check tomorrow but the thinking is that it is not important. It’s in his ankle. [A sprained ankle. He will probably be assessed over the next few days – but it’s not serious].’
Arsenal will be hoping that this is not a long-term injury as that will really derail the plans that the club has for the season. By taking Laca off, the fans also got to see Reiss Nelson in action who seized his chance and proved once again what an exciting talent he is.
As for Lacazette, last season was an impressive one as he was named as the Arsenal player of the year by the fans. This was the reward for his impressive all-round play as that saw him notch up quite a few assists as well. His partnership with Aubameyang was a big reason as to why the Gunners were able to reach the final of the Europa League.
The Emirates club start their Premier League campaign on the 11th of August against Newcastle United and the club will be hoping that the French striker will be fit enough for that game. It would not be good for the club to start off on the wrong foot.
The arrivals of players such as Dani Ceballos and Gabriel Martinelli has certainly boosted the overall quality of the squad and that was necessary for the upcoming season.
Over the course of the 2018/19 season, Lacazette developed other areas of his game apart from goal scoring and that enormously benefited the team. Fans all over will be praying for the quick recovery of the Frenchman. If Arsenal have a fit and firing Lacazette there is no telling as to how much the club can this achieve this season.
