Arsenal have confirmed the availability of French striker Alexandre Lacazette for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Rennes at the Emirates Stadium.
The France international was suspended for three European matches after his straight-red card against BATE Borisov last month, and he was initially expected to miss both legs of the round of 16 stage against Rennes.
However, the north London side are understood to have lodged an appeal to UEFA regarding the same and the outcome has partly reduced the ban to two matches, thus making Lacazette available for the forthcoming Rennes clash.
“Alex Lacazette is now eligible for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Rennes after his Uefa ban was reduced to two matches,” a statement read on the club’s official website.
The Gunners are currently trailing Rennes by a 3-1 scoreline following the first leg of the round of 16 tie on the road, and they need a minimum of two clear goals without conceding to progress to the quarter final stage.
As such, they require a strong performance from both ends of the field and the presence of both Lacazette and Aubameyang upfront, should boost the chances of finding the scoresheet while bettering the qualification prospects.
Arsenal go into the game following a solid 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, and the game should provide plenty of positivity among the players, given there were no average performers on the day.
The European suspension of Sokratis remains the only setback following Lacazette’s return, but hopefully, Shkodran Mustafi, who may come into the defence, can produce a strong showing and help the side to attain a shutout.
