Kieran Tierney and Alex Lacazette both took part in full training today, which suggests they could be part of Arsenal’s squad to face Villarreal on Thursday.
Tierney has missed the last seven games since injuring his knee against Liverpool in early March. The Gunners were initially fearful that he might need surgery but thankfully that proved not to be the case and his recovery has been relatively swift.
Lacazette tweaked his hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Fulham a couple of weeks ago and has missed three matches.
Mikel Arteta declared both players fit this time last week but we believe he was trying to play mind games with Unai Emery before last week’s semi-final first leg.
Arteta will now need to assess whether he thinks it’s worth risking Tierney and Lacazette from the off.
On the weekend, David Luiz only lasted 52 minutes of his comeback from a knee injury before pulling up with a muscular problem.
We can expect more team news in the morning when Arteta faces the media at 9am.
Finally! Some good news. 😊
I think this luiz thing was all a big mind trick…everyone walking to him, making sure the camera shows luiz walking off…
Mastermind MA messing with UE.
but if everything is real…all the best to you luiz and thank you for
Come Thursday 7pm when the team gets announced – David Luiz starting as false 9
If Arteta selects another crackpot team like last week I’m going to lose my fucking mind
He could be the real 9.
Finally someone for us to get on the end of all those crosses we make, then.
Just in time…
To be honest, at this point I think Arteta would wheel out Eduardo da Silva if he thought it could confuse Emery.
Fantastic! Now who’s up for an evening out in Plumpton to celebrate? The ginger-ales are on me!
Plumpton has nightlife?
Take a risk with Tierney because you have 5 subs.
Leno
Bellerin Holding Gabriel Tierney
Partey Xhaka
Pepe ESR Saka
Auba
If Tierney not fit, then move Saka to LB, put ESR on left and Ode in the number 10.
Laca and Martinelli as the impact subs.
Let’s go Gunners!
Or, play it safe by keeping Tierney on the bench and bring him on in the second half if needed.
Yes, we’ll need him for the final so he can rip Utd a new 1.
We have to get to the final first. If he’s fit, he’s got to play Thursday. We’ll have three weeks to rest him for the final after that.
I’d personally rather see Odegaard ahead of Pepe. Emery is gonna keep it really tight at the back as long as it’s 1-2 on aggregate, Pepe isn’t gonna find any space to run into, Odegaard can pick a pass to Aubameyang.
Risk Tierney, this match is all or nothing.
Absolutely no chance of us moving Saka away from their goal
KT in his Forrest Gump 🏃♂️ mode (joking). Great to see Laca and him back.
Lazarus will undergo a late fitness assessment.
Back in training… but will they be match fit? Crossing fingers! There’s also a strong chance of going into extra time. COYG!
if tierney is fit enough to play an hr, he should start. more subs allowed in europa leage and this is your season.