Arsenal travel across London to take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday and Mikel Arteta could see the return of one if not two key players.
Tomiyasu is the first of the injured ones who has returned to full training this week and there’s a very small chance that he could be fit to start vs Chelsea.
The manager updated in his press conference: “Tomi is very, very close, whether this game is going to be too early for him or not, we’ll decide today after the training session.”
On paper, he will go through a late fitness test to determine his availability but we doubt if the full-back will be rushed back in. Also, Cedric has done a very good job in that role which means Mikel Arteta really does not have to take too many gambles.
Alex Lacazette has been out of action due to COVID and he could be in line to make a comeback on Wednesday night.
Arteta added: “With Laca, we have to see him today to see if he’s available with the team,
“Obviously, as you all know, he had Covid so he’s been away for a few days. We try to get his feeling and where he’s at and if he can contribute somehow with the team.”
Lacazette has recently admitted that he is talking to various clubs about signing a new deal as a free agent but Mikel Arteta has made it clear that all these off-the-field issues should not hinder his performances for the rest of the season.
The Arsenal boss has made it clear: “His contract situation allows him to make the decision about the future. We have expressed clearly what our intention is, to speak in the summer when we know where we are and what we’re going to do in the future together.
Alexandre Lacazette tells @canalplus: "I’m in discussion with a lot of clubs, I’m open. I want to play European football", @gffn reports. 🇫🇷 #AFC
"I never cut contact with Lyon since I left. I try to go back to the club once or twice a year. Lyon know that I’m free. We'll see". pic.twitter.com/9JyZoHi1A6
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 18, 2022
“For the rest, I just want him fully focused on his duty, which is now defending Arsenal in the best possible way like he’s done all the time when he’s been with us, and that’s why he’s been wearing the armband of this football club, so that’s a big risk.”
If Laca is available for selection then it will be a major boost for the Arsenal boss but with Tierney and Thomas Partey ruled out with long-term injuries, Wednesday’s trip to the Bridge is not going to get any easier.
Nuno Tavares has been in very poor form so the left-back area will be a cause of concern and with Partey missing, the Chelsea midfielders could run riot on their home turf.
It will be really hard for Arsenal to pick up a win vs Chelsea but if Alex Lacazette is available for tomorrow’s match then at least the Gunners will have the capability to score a couple of goals.
