Arsenal set to be handed huge fitness boost ahead of Sheffield United trip

Arsenal are set to be handed a major fitness boost with Alexandre Lacazette expected to be back in contention for the trip to Sheffield United on Monday night, according to The Sun.

Lacazette has sat out Arsenal’s last seven matches in all competitions due to a troublesome ankle injury that he originally sustained during the Emirates Cup clash with Lyon in pre-season at the end of July.

The Frenchman played through the pain barrier to feature in three of Arsenal’s opening four games – scoring two goals in the process – but he aggravated the injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on September 1st.

Following the North London Derby, Arsenal confirmed Lacazette needed a prolonged period of rest in order to fully recover from the issue and he was expected to return at some point in October.

The 28-year-old resumed training earlier this month and has been working hard on his fitness at Arsenal’s London Colney training base during the current international break.

It looks like Lacazette could now be ready to make his return to action as The Sun are reporting that the striker may be back in contention for the trip to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United on Monday night.

The news would be a huge boost to Unai Emery as the Gunners boss has had to rely heavily on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during Lacazette’s absence with youngster Gabriel Martinelli the only other option up front.

The Brazilian teen has performed superbly with 4 goals in 2 starts in the cup games while Aubameyang has been outstanding having scored 8 goals in 10 appearances so far this campaign.

However, Lacazette’s imminent return will ease the goal-scoring burden and give Emery another top class option in attack as Arsenal look to build on their eight-game unbeaten run with a positive result against Sheffield United.

Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka have supported Aubameyang in the Arsenal attack in recent weeks but one may have to be sacrificed if Lacazette is given an immediate recall on Monday night.