Arsenal’s star striker Alexandre Lacazette is not certain to play in the first Premier League match of the season against Newcastle United.
He suffered an ankle injury in the Emirates Cup game against Lyon and according to the Daily Mail, manager Unai Emery will be making a decision on the striker later on. Emery went on to say:
‘Hopefully he could be ready for the match against Newcastle and doctors are optimistic, but the next days will be very important. If he is ready, perfect – if not, the next [game].’
Lacazette was not a part of the squad that traveled to Barcelona to play the final pre-season game of this season. This was done as a precaution in the hope that he will become fit in time for the match against Newcastle.
He stayed back in London where he was training alongside the Gunners club record signing Nicolas Pepe. The Ivorian might not play a part in the Premier League opener as well as Emery wants to be patient with him.
Fans are waiting with bated breath to see the likes of Pepe and Lacazette play together as that is a mouth-watering prospect. Lacazette himself is going into the new season on the back of a excellent 2018/19 campaign in which he was named as the player of the season by the fans.
His partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a big reason as to why the Gunners were in the race for the top four. He will want to start the new season on the right note and prove that last season was no flash in the pan.
Lacazette will be crucial in Arsenal trying to get back into the Champions League. It would be better for the club to wait until he is fit before playing him. The last thing they would want is to rush him into action and aggravate any injury that might be there.
Arsenal have made some important strides in the transfer window as they have brought in some really exciting talents. There is a lot of optimism for everyone associated with the club as the new season beckons. Players like Lacazette are what will help the club have a good season and Emery will be hoping that he gets fit soon.
