Arsene Wenger hints Alexandre Lacazette may not start for Arsenal vs CSKA Moscow; Petr Cech injury doubt

James Benge2 April 2018

Arsene Wenger says he is yet to decide whether Alexandre Lacazette will lead the Arsenal line in their Europa League quarter-final first leg against CSKA Moscow.

Lacazette made a goalscoring return to the Arsenal side in a 3-0 win over Stoke, winning and converting a penalty in injury time as he completed 30 minutes as a second -half substitute.

The 26-year-old had been sidelined for nearly two months after undergoing surgery on his right knee. Wenger is keen to ease Lacazette back into the Arsenal first-team, even though fellow striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible for the Europa League and Danny Welbeck was withdrawn vs Stoke with a back problem.

"Lacazette’s still lacking a bit of competitive edge," Wenger said. "He’s been out for two months, he worked hard but he still lacks a fraction maybe.

In Pictures | Arsenal vs Stoke City | 01/04/2018

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"In training he looks sharp. How long can he last in the game? I don’t know. He certainly needs one or two more games.

"Will he start on Thursday? I don’t know, I will have to wait a little bit."

Petr Cech is also a doubt for the visit of CSKA to the Emirates Stadium after missing Sunday’s game with a groin injury.

"Cech is better today, he will go out for a little session maybe now,” Wenger added. "I still think he will be short for Thursday."

Whether Cech would have played on Thursday is doubtful, with Wenger having committed to using David Ospina in cup competitions.

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