Arsenal have confirmed Alexandre Lacazette could return to first-team action during Monday’s Premier League clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
France international Lacazette has been sidelined since Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with north London rivals Tottenham on September 1, with the club opting to give him time to “rest and strengthen his ankle to regain full fitness.”
Arsenal have impressed in Lacazette’s absence, as they are unbeaten in four Premier League matches and have moved into the top-four of the standings as a result.
However, the return to full fitness of the former Lyon star will certainly be a boost, particularly as he started the season in fine form, netting two goals in his first three games and that was despite playing through the pain barrier.
Lacazette’s return could come against the Blades on Monday with the club confirming they will make a decision on his availability over the coming days. “Alex is progressing well and is back in full training,” a club statement said.
“Decision on his participation for Monday’s match at Sheffield United will be made in the forthcoming days.”
If Lacazette does fail to prove his fitness ahead of that match then it is likely he will return when the Gunners welcome Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes to the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday.
Lacazette is not the only Arsenal player set to return to full fitness, as teenage midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is available for selection once again after suffering a concussion during last month’s Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners have also confirmed that fellow midfielder Reiss Nelson should return to the first-team fold in November, as he continues to work his way back to full fitness from the knee ligament damage he suffered against Standard Liege before the international break.
