Mikel Arteta has explained that Alexandre Lacazette is on the bench against Chelsea because he's still feeling a little under the weather after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Frenchman missed the Gunners' clash against Southampton at the weekend, but has made himself available if needed against the Blues.
Speaking to Sky Sports before the game, Arteta said: "Laca is available for a few minutes. He hasn’t done any training, he’s available for 10 minutes. After COVID he’s feeling unwell but wanted to be here for the team."
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The Spaniard's words clear up a few unanswered questions after Lacazette issued a statement on his future earlier this week.
"I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open," he told French outlet Canal TV+. “I want to play in Europe, it’s been a long time since I played in the Champions League, I’m missing it. It’s a little more complicated, nothing is impossible in life, but it’s a little more complicated."
The Frenchman has only mustered four Premier League goals all season - two of which weren't in open play. To therefore hear that he wants the very thing that Arsenal fans are also desperate for is understandably frustrating for the Emirates faithful. Nevertheless, having him available at this time is better than another case of a fallout with the manager, and Arteta will be hoping that he can get the best out of his no.9 in the remaining games of the campaign.
