Nuno Tavares’ loan stint at Lazio has suffered another agonizing twist. The Arsenal defender, who signed for the Italian club last summer, suffered a new injury setback during Lazio’s decisive Europa League quarter-final. His short-lived return to action ended in tears, raising further questions about his future. Injuries have dogged the Portuguese left-back all season, overshadowing what was initially a promising stint in Serie A. For Lazio and Arsenal, this latest injury comes at a bad time.
Tavares had just overcome an adductor issue and was keen to return to the team. Lazio included him on the bench for their second-leg tie against Bodo/Glimt. The Italians were 2-0 down from the first leg but had salvaged extra-time with a last-gasp 93rd-minute goal by Tijjani Noslin.
Tavares came on with about 20 minutes of normal time remaining, giving hope of making a difference on the left wing. But just four minutes into extra-time, tragedy befell them. Tavares pulled up in agony and called for a substitute. Overwhelmed with emotion, he collapsed in tears as he walked off the pitch. The fans at the Stadio Olimpico were chanting his name. Team-mate Matteo Guendouzi attempted to console him. The moment was a poignant reminder of how tough his season has been.
Lazio manager Marco Baroni later explained, “He was crying. I tried to comfort him. He had trained well and felt ready.” Baroni complimented Tavares’s delivery and work rate before the injury. “He crossed a lot. Now we need to evaluate this setback.”
Injury-Marred Season Leaves Tavares Disappointed
Tavares’s loan started out well. He soon established himself as a forward threat for Lazio, coming up with nine assists in 26 games. His play allowed Lazio to advance to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia and Europa League. The fans regarded him as a priority. But the campaign has been far from smooth. Tavares has now incurred five different injuries, missing a total of 14 games.
Frustrating injury blows have followed every return attempt. This has severely affected his rhythm and development. This latest injury came at a time when Lazio required every available player to stage a European comeback. Losing him during the game cost Lazio a substitution, which undermined their capacity to rotate in extra-time.
By 25, he is running out of time to cement himself at Arsenal. Injury could yet lead to a career change. By signing for Arsenal in 2021 for £8 million, he promised so much early on. However, Adama Tavares faltered for defensive consistency in the Premier League. Loan moves to Marseille and Lazio were meant to get him some experience and develop. Instead, injury has curtailed all that.
Even after losing Tavares, Lazio almost staged a comeback. Boulaye Dia pulled them ahead in extra-time with a thumping header. Bodo/Glimt came back with Andreas Helmersen, who leveled the aggregate score. The tie was won on penalties. Lazio lost crucial spot kicks and were beaten 3-2 in the penalty shootout. The outcome marked the end of their European campaign for the season.
After the match, Manager Baroni felt disappointed. “There is pain, because we deserved to go through,” he stated. He praised his players for effort and spirit. “We created chances, pressed high, and played an extraordinary match,” Baroni continued. He also appreciated the fans and urged the team to remain concentrated. “We still have a Serie A season to finish.” With European aspirations shattered and injuries mounting, Lazio now shift focus to domestic rivalry.
Marco Baroni will be without Gustav Isaksen for Lazio's Serie A clash vs Genoa due to a yellow-card accumulation one-match suspension; Nuno Tavares has once again been sidelined due to injury…#GenoaLazio pic.twitter.com/kjz6RcHOxp
— The Laziali (@The_Laziali) April 20, 2025
Nuno Tavares’s tearful departure from Lazio’s Europa League match is another low for an already troubled season. What began with promise has become a season of setbacks. For Tavares, the future is uncertain. As the summer transfer window looms, both Arsenal and Lazio have to determine what the future holds for the injury-plagued left-back.
Should Tavares be given a second chance at Arsenal or leave for a fresh start? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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