Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette injury another problem for the list

Arsenal have a desperate defence, individual problems in midfield, and now our attacking force has taken a hit as Alexandre Lacazett is out due to injury.

This season, Arsenal have had a desperate defence, individual problems in midfield, but we have always looked strong in the final third—until now. Yesterday the club announced Alexandre Lacazette will be out of action due to an ankle injury until October.

Alexandre Lacazette has had an ongoing ankle injury leading back to the pre-season match against Lyon in July. The France international missed the first game this season due to the injury but made a return against Burnley where he scored early on, breaking down the Clarets frustrating defence.

Lacazette has tried to play through his injury and he’s done well, scoring in every game he’s started this season with a couple of vital goals.

Unfortunately, it now appears Lacazette won’t be able to play again until October, meaning our big game player will miss out on the match against Manchester United. But how will his injury affect the team Unai Emery play’s against Watford tomorrow?

Despite a promising start to the season, Reiss Nelson was dropped to the bench after the Burnley fixture, with record signing Nicolas Pepe taking his place. However, with Lacazette out, for the time being, Aubameyang is likely to be played upfront so Unai Emery may turn to Nelson to fill in the gap on the wing.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 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
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

This season, it appears Emery is keen to play a single striker with two wingers and an attacking midfielder behind. Therefore, I would now expect our attacking lineup to be Nelson, Ceballos, Pepe and Aubamayeng against Watford—not a bad one by any means.

Behind Ceballos, I would like a Guendozi and Torreira partnership in central midfield. And in defence, after a convincing performance in the first Premier League match, I would like to see Calum Chambers start against Watford next to a back and fit Rob Holding.

However, my biggest concern is not the Watford game or the clash against Aston Villa the following week; it’s the trip up to Old Trafford without our big-game guy! Ole Gunnar Solskjær will likely be under pressure and desperate for a victory against us.

Alexandre Lacazette has already recorded two assists and a goal against Manchester United so far in his Arsenal career. He’s that rare player who hardly ever fails to show up when it counts.

So, unfortunately, his absence will be noticed. Hopefully, whilst Lacazette is out due to injury, the goals continue flooding through, however with the number of goals and assists he provides for the Gunners, who will fill his boots?