Arsenal won’t be able to bank on the services of French striker Alexandre Lacazette after he underwent a minor surgery on his left knee prior to the Europa League clash versus Ostersund.
The 26-year-old has been playing second fiddle to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in recent outings, but he was expected to lead the line versus the Swedish outfit, given the winter signing is ineligible to participate in the Europa League.
However, the Gunners have now suffered a significant setback to their Europa League hopes with Lacazette presumably out for four to six weeks after a knee operation.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Striker Alex Lacazette had an arthroscopy on his left knee in London on Tuesday morning.
“The minor procedure was a success and he will now undergo a period of rehabilitation. It is envisaged that he will return to the squad within four to six weeks.”
With Lacazette sidelined, Arsenal have to rely on Danny Welbeck as the sole option in the centre-forward role with Olivier Giroud having parted ways with the club during the winter transfer window.
The England international has sustained multiple niggles during the course of the current campaign, and he has only recently returned to the setup after a one-month lay-off with a hip problem.
Arsenal’s away woes continued with another demolarising defeat at the hands of Tottenham in the Premier League last weekend, and Ostersund could be a tricky challenge, mainly due to the cold weather.
The north Londoners have a key League Cup final versus Manchester City on February 25, and Wenger will hope to end the tie with a strong performance on the road, such that most first-team players could be rested for the return leg at home.
