Soccer

Wenger backs injury-free Lacazette to deliver for Arsenal

Arsenal host CSKA Moscow in Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday

Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette is likely to start against CSKA Moscow on Thursday night. Photograph: PA

Thu Apr 5 2018 - 10:20

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the club are about to see the best of Alexandre Lacazette after the French striker returned to full fitness following a nagging knee injury.

The France international had scored once in his last 11 league appearances before an injury layoff but found the net on his return to action in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Stoke City last weekend.

Wenger said Lacazette was troubled for weeks by the injury before he was sidelined.

“I think we are (ready to see the best of Lacazette) because I realise now that he was not himself for a while,” Wenger told reporters on Wednesday. “That explains why his goals dried out...

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“It was not traumatic, he was a good player but I think in the last seven, eight games he played he was not completely free with his knee. Unfortunately in our job you need your body and that’s why when you are not 100 percent you cannot play well.”

Lacazette could start in Arsenal's Europa League quarter-final first leg against CSKA Moscow later on Thursday as the north London club push for their only chance of winning a trophy this season. It's also their most realistic chance to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Arsenal, who are sixth in the Premier League, host Southampton on Sunday.

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