It took quite some time for the Gunners to sign the ‘world class’ center forward the fans craved and with the transfer window reaching its twilight zone, Arsenal swooped for Deportivo’s Lucas Perez. This move was greeted with optimism because the fans didn’t know much about him. His debut coincided with his birthday and he did well to create an assist for Laurent Koscielny’s equalizer against Southampton.
With Arsenal’s new look formation that saw Alexis Sanchez lead the line, Lucas saw himself relegated to the bench but he did great in the EFL Cup game against Nottingham Forest, netting himself a brace. However, he spent more time on the bench and voiced out his frustrations during an interview with Spanish radio station, Onda Cero,
“When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role. [But] the teammates that are playing in my position are doing a great job.
“We have won seven games in a row and, at the end of the day, the coach wants what is best for the team.
“I had hoped to have more playing time, but what I have to do now is make the most of the opportunities I get.”
With the first team players showing early signs of fatigue, it was evident that Wenger was going to overhaul the squad against Reading, with Lucas getting another ‘opportunity’ to show what he’s made of. He put up a good performance but his outing lasted for only 72 minutes when he struggled to recuperate from the tackle by Reading’s Danzell Gravenberch. It has been confirmed that Lucas is likely to be out for six weeks, which essentially rules him out of the crucial clashes against Tottenham, Manchester United and the all-important Champions League tie against Paris St. Germain.
This is a big blow to the Spanish forward, as he’s just settling to life in his new club and even though the opportunities to play haven’t been as consistent as he would have hoped, he would have been in contention if he was fit. With Olivier Giroud returning to full fitness, Arsenal ‘may not’ miss Lucas but Arsene Wenger would prefer to have all his available players at his disposal as the Gunners are challenging on four fronts at the moment.
The club is currently in second place in the Premier League and we all know that the league is a marathon that ends in May but each result remains crucial. The EFL Cup is down to the last eight with Arsenal hosting Southampton on November 28. This was a game Lucas was odds-on to start but he would be taking Abou Diaby’s spot in the treatment table. Then there’s the Champions League and FA Cup next year.
It’s just distressing to see how our players tends to suffer severe injuries and stay out for so long. Aaron Ramsey had an injury in August and hasn’t kicked the ball since then. Giroud had a ‘toe injury’ that sidelined him for an eternity before he made his return against Reading. Even Santi Cazorla got a knock against Ludogorets and has been out of action since then.
I wish Lucas a speedy recovery and I hope he would make more meaningful contributions to the team between now and the end of the season.
Sayonara
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