Arsenal
Great News For Emery: Arsenal Star Fit To Train Ahead Of Newcastle Trip
Arsenal have been handed a boost after Lucas Torreira trained today despite picking up a muscle knock while away on international duty.
Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Newcastle after Lucas Torreira trained today despite picking up a muscle knock while away on international duty.
Torreira was initially considered a doubt for the clash at St James’ Park after being forced off at half-time during Uruguay’s 4-1 victory over Mexico on Friday night.
The defensive midfielder started the game but was withdrawn at the break and was spotted with an ice pack around his left calf while sitting on the bench during the second half.
However, Uruguay coach Fabian Coito was quoted by TeamTalk as saying that he ‘took Torreira out as a precaution’ after the midfielder complained of a tight calf during the opening forty-five minutes.
The 22-year-old flew back to north London to be assessed by Arsenal’s medical team and it appears he’s been given the all clear as Torreira has been snapped in training on Tuesday afternoon.
Boss Unai Emery shared a photo from today’s session at London Colney and Torreira was among the group that was put through their paces by the clubs coaching staff.
Focused on our improvement, @Arsenal focused on @NUFC pic.twitter.com/3HyereC7fc
— Unai Emery (@UnaiEmery_) September 11, 2018
It means Torreira is now in contention to make his full debut against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon having so far been restricted to substitute appearances since joining the club from Sampdoria this summer.
The South American midfielder has impressed off the bench in recent games and got a vital assist for Alexandre Lacazette’s winner against Cardiff before the international break leading to calls for Emery to hand him a start against the Magpies.
However, it remains to be seen whether the boss is ready to give Torreira his full debut as he’s favoured youngster Matteo Guendouzi alongside Granit Xhaka so far this season.
A minor calf problem while away with Uruguay may only reinforce Emery’s decision not to start Torreira so we may see him once again among the substitutes this weekend.
