Arsenal have been handed a boost ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Europa League clash with Villarreal after Mikel Arteta revealed that David Luiz could feature for the Gunners.
Speaking to the press via the Evening Standard ahead of Thursday night’s massive fixture against the La Liga side, Arteta confirmed that there is a chance that Luiz could feature in the tie after the Brazilian was forced off in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United with a hamstring injury.
Arsenal have a growing injury list heading into the final fixtures of the season, with Kieran Tierney and Alexandre Lacazette among those who could also miss out on tomorrow night, but when asked about the availability of Luiz, Arteta had a positive update to deliver.
The Spanish manager said: “With David, it is always possible. He was already saying before the game that he wanted to be available. “He has made an incredible effort to be in the position that he is today. The fact that he played against Newcastle was already a big bonus, because he had surgery on his knee. With David, you never know.”
Insider View:
Luiz showed his importance to the defence in Sunday’s win over Newcastle, with the defender keeping the Toon at bay with intelligence defending and allowing the play to continue forward with his ball progression and long passing, and if the Brazilian can feature for tomorrow’s game, it will be a huge boost to the Arsenal squad.
The Gunners need to ensure that they not only get on the scoresheet if they’re to overturn a 2-1 deficit, but to also defend with their lives to deny Villarreal a crucial away goal that will turn already an uphill battle into a nigh-on impossible job for Arsenal, who need to win the Europa League if they’re to ensure some sort of success this season.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
