Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney both returned to full training with the rest of the Arsenal squad yesterday, just two days before our all-important Europa League semi-final clash.
The Gunners will play host to Villarreal on Thursday knowing they need to overturn a 2-1 deficit to reach the final of the competition, which could be their second final in three years.
We welcomed back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and David Luiz to the squad last week after absences, before losing the latter to a hamstring injury at the weekend, while Laca and Tierney still hadn’t trained with the team.
The pair could well be in contention for Thursday however, after both were spotted in full training, as pictured on Arsenal.com.
While either being back to 100% would be a huge boost to our team, I can’t help but believe that the Scotsman would bring the most balance.
Granit Xhaka has come into question after filling in at left-back in recent weeks, while Tierney has already shown in his short time at Arsenal that he is amongst the best in his position in the division.
This news certainly has added more anticipation for the tie, with more confidence that our side will overturn the deficit.
Could Laca be just as important to clinching the win on Thursday as Tierney?
Patrick
We already have a plus that Ceballos won’t be involved If Tierney not fit Cedric should play at left back With the need to score Balogun should be on the bench I see parallels re Balogun with Kennedy against Anderlecht in 1970 and Vaessen against Juventus ten years later
I don’t know,only by God’s grace that we can make the finals because with arteta we are doomed no matter the players available
You said it, God’s grace or we’re doomed
Leno
Bellerin Chambers Holding Tierny
Partey Xhaka
Laca
Martinelli Auba Saka
Key of this game is to not conceid, be solid in back and middle.
And of course score 3 goals, Laca is an leader in attack, get ball beet deeper, lounges, combines well in small space and that area.
Think this role is so natural, to bench Auba or Laca does not make sense, they bring a lot to team, both must be on pitch Auba as CF & Laca as fake 9. Becomes a serious double threat in that area.
Chambers Holding and Bellerin at the back all at once?
I dont think so
You’re saying we need to be at the back, and then you put bellerin, holding and Chambers in the same lineup, I fail to see what’s strong about that defensive setup.
If we need solidity then Chambers has to be right back and we play either Mari or Gabriel.
It may seem as if we’re taking out much attacking power, but for me if Tierney isn’t fit then saka has to play left back.
The combination of saka And martinelli at the left side of attack will tear Villarreal apart
Just saying though.
Regardless of the outcome arsenal is crap right now
Solid*