Huge injury boost: Key Arsenal star set to return against Sheff Utd [Sky Sports]

Arsenal are set to be handed a huge injury boost with Alexandre Lacazette due to resume full training next week and be in contention to face Sheffield United, according to Sky Sports News.

Lacazette has missed Arsenal’s last seven games in all competitions after aggravating an ankle injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium at the start of September.

The Frenchman originally picked up the issue against Lyon during the Emirates Cup in pre-season but played through the pain barrier to score two goals during Arsenal’s opening three Premier League games.

It was then decided the striker needed a prolonged period of rest to overcome the injury and Lacazette has missed league games with Watford, Aston Villa, Man Utd and Bournemouth. He’s also sat out the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest as well as Europa League group stage matches with Eintracht Frankfurt and Standard Liege.

However, Sky Sports News are reporting today that the 28-year-old’s rehabilitation has gone well and Lacazette is now set to return to full training at London Colney next week.

As long as he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, the French hitman should then be in contention for a place in the squad when Arsenal travel to Bramall Lane on Monday October 21 following the international break.

Lacazette’s return would be a major boost for Arsenal as boss Unai Emery has had to rely on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as his main striker over the past six weeks.

The Gabon international has practically carried the Gunners in recent weeks and he took his season tally to 8 goals in 10 appearances during Lacazette’s absence to win the Premier League Player of the Month for September.

Lacazette’s return would ease the burden on Aubameyang and give Emery another top class option up front as Arsenal look to cement their third-place position in the table with a win at Sheffield United.

As it stands, once Lacazette returns to training next week, Emery will have a fully-fit squad to choose from so Arsenal are in great shape heading to Bramall Lane looking to extend their eight-game unbeaten run.