Lucas Torreira and Alexandre Lacazette are likely to be available for Arsenal’s season opener against Newcastle United. What comes as a big boost also provides a dilemma for Unai Emery, however, as a selection headache awaits him…
According to a report from The Evening Standard, the pair are back in full training as the Gunners continue their preparations for the 2019/20 season.
Torreira may feature against Barcelona in Arsenal’s final friendly on Sunday, while Lacazette is in line to make his return to action at St James’ Park a week after.
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Aside from the remaining issues at the back, Emery’s squad is certainly taking shape ahead of what promises to be a pivotal campaign for the club.
The arrivals of Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe significantly strengthen the ranks, but the existing players at the Emirates Stadium will also be vying for places in the starting line-up.
Torreira’s return to fitness will give Emery a big decision to make. He showed glimpses of quality last term but never developed consistency. The Uruguay international is a hugely gifted midfielder, and the manager will surely be determined to give him a good run of games to start the campaign on the front foot.
A partnership alongside Matteo Guendouzi appears to boast a lot of potential, but striking a balance in midfield has not yet been achieved in North London. The time for experimentation is running out, and Torreira’s availability presents an intriguing battle for starting berths in the middle.
Lacazette’s return will also give Emery some food for thought. The manager will be keen to include the Frenchman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe in his strongest line-up, but identifying a functional system that accommodates the trio could be problematic.
Either way, two important players are back and ready to tackle the new season, and there is cause for optimism at Arsenal once again.
