Struggling Premier League side Arsenal were hit with an injury blow as the Gunners announced on Tuesday that star striker Alexandre Lacazette would be out of action for a period of upto two months after going under the knife to correct a knee problem.
“Striker Alex Lacazette had an arthroscopy on his left knee in London on Tuesday morning,” a club statement read.
“The minor procedure was a success and he will now undergo a period of rehabilitation. It is envisaged that he will return to the squad within four to six weeks,” the club further added.
Lacazette became Arsenal’s club-record signing when the North London club paid Lyon £56.5 million to secure his services, but the pacey Frenchman has found it difficult to settle in the Premier League.
With a total of nine goals and three assists in his debut season so far, it’s safe to say the 26-year-old hasn’t quite had the impact most Gunners fans thought he would have.
To be fair to the 5’9 Lacazette, he’s been devoid of quality service, especially in crunch clashes, and has often had to do it alone.
The January arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, however, has put Lacazette’s future at the club under a cloud of doubt for the Gabonese striker has been preferred by Arsene Wenger with the former Lyon man warming the bench.
Out of contention from the Premier League title race and the FA Cup, Arsenal are effectively competing for silverware in the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Europa League.
The Gunners, sixth in the league, take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on February 25 after taking on Oestersunds FK in a double-legged continental cup tie and Lacazette is expected to miss all three games.
Arsenal’s No.9 will probably be in contention to feature towards the middle of April, making him touch-and-go for their April 14 Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.