Arsenal: Curse Surrounding Lucas Perez Growing Exponentially

Arsenal signed Lucas Perez with questionable intent, but now it’s become a matter of paranormal activity. How cursed is the Spaniard, exactly?

Arsenal had several needs that had to be addressed in the summer of 2016 and surprisingly, Arsene Wenger answered them all. His answer to the striker crisis was Lucas Perez, who was relatively unknown, but had a strong resume nonetheless.

Related Story: Arsenal's Potential Starting XI Under Max Allegri

It wasn’t the greatest start in the world, but with each progressive appearance, he got better and better. Before we knew it, he had one of the best goal production rates on the team, yet for whatever reason, he was rarely seen.

With Danny Welbeck’s return, he was seen even less.

Taking the No. 9 shirt was a massively bold step for Lucas that seemed to haunt him off and on, but now it’s getting more serious than ever.

At a time when Arsenal need a savior, and they need something new and exciting, Lucas is yet again nowhere near the pitch. Although this time it isn’t because of the whims of Wenger, it is because he has sustained another phantom injury that will keep him out for another three weeks.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

This is utterly shocking, although it really shouldn’t be. Arsenal’s track record of phantom injuries goes back pretty far into the Wenger era and the fact that Lucas has fallen prey to them while wearing the cursed No. 9 shirt shouldn’t be that surprising.

It’s almost scary. First he couldn’t get into the team because he was acclimating to the team and the league. Then Alexis took the job himself. Then Arsene Wenger just didn’t want to use him. And now, when changes are coming hard and fast and opportunities are there, he has suffered an injury in training while simultaneously not being used in games.

Where else can it go from here?

Everyone has been rooting for Lucas to get into the starting XI. He has absolutely earned it. He’s been a rallying cry for people (myself included) to lob at Arsene Wenger. Here you bought this guy to be a solution and you aren’t allowing him to be.

Next: Arsenal's 30 Greatest Transfers Of Past 30 Years

But this new injury just takes the cake. I can’t imagine how awfully frustrating his first year at the Emirates must have been. He won’t return to the fray until there is about a month left in the season. Hopefully that is enough time to salvage some sort of something. Literally anything.