Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the wellbeing of striker Alexandre Lacazette, on the back of his side’s meeting with Southampton.
The Gunners, of course, marked their return to action earlier today, making the trip to St. Mary’s in the hope of turning around a dismal spell of recent form.
Hitman Lacazette, however, played no part in proceedings, after word was forthcoming ahead of kick-off that the former Lyon standout had returned a positive test for Covid-19.
Arsenal have confirmed Alexandre Lacazette misses out today after testing positive for Covid https://t.co/TmpRHr5UlN
— Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) April 16, 2022
Speaking to the media on the back of the action coming to a close on Saturday evening, Mikel Arteta was therefore inevitably asked for an update on Lacazette’s situation, and specifically whether the Frenchman could return to lead the line in either of Arsenal’s upcoming meetings with Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Gunners’ boss, though, was keen to keep his cards close to his chest, simply confirming that Lacazette’s availability will depend on returning a negative test:
“It will depend whether he is negative and whether he is feeling better and his symptoms are gone, and he’s available to play.”
Alexandre Lacazette could miss Arsenal’s matches against Chelsea and Manchester United, confirms Mikel Arteta.
✍️ @sr_collings https://t.co/neHSiecDh3
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 16, 2022
Bednarek makes the difference
Turning attentions back towards Saturday’s action itself at St. Mary’s, Arsenal, in the end, of course slipped to defeat at the hands of Southampton, making it three successive losses across the month to date.
A solitary goal on the part of Jan Bednarek, netted on the stroke of the interval, proved all that was required to guide Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hosts to all three points.
The Saints lead against Arsenal 👀
Jan Bednarek has his team in front, the Gunners have it all to do if they want to avoid a third successive loss..
📺 Stream #SOUARS live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/jVWeR9WRR1
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 16, 2022
Arsenal, in turn, missed out on a massive chance to close the gap on north London rivals Tottenham in the race for the top-4, before slipping to 6th in the Premier League table owing to Manchester United’s win over Norwich.
Arsenal supporters blame two key figures for club’s top-4 implosion
Player Ratings: Arsenal crash to third consecutive defeat as Southampton grabs 1-0 home win
