Arsenal corner flag
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have received a timely boost with two key players returning from injury as the season enters its decisive stage across various competitions.
The Gunners, however, suffered another setback in their Premier League title race, dropping points against Manchester United and falling further behind league leaders Liverpool, who now hold a commanding 15-point advantage.
One positive from the match was the early return of forward Gabriel Martinelli, who made his comeback ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, there is growing optimism that Bukayo Saka could also be back in action shortly after the international break, providing Arsenal with much-needed firepower in their attack.
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Arsenal’s injury struggles have not been limited to their first-team squad, with several loaned-out players also facing setbacks. However, there was good news over the weekend as Albert Sambi Lokonga and Maldini Kacurri both returned to action.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - Mikel Arteta - Arsenal
Albert Sambi Lokonga (Image credit: Getty Images)
Lokonga, who has endured recurring hamstring problems since pre-season, made his comeback for Sevilla in their 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad. The Belgian midfielder, who had missed four league matches, came on in the 70th minute, helping his side secure three points after Chidera Ejuke’s goal. Sevilla’s win pushes them into the top half of La Liga.
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Despite his injury concerns, Lokonga has managed 17 appearances for Sevilla this season. However, his fitness issues may influence whether the Spanish club exercises their £10 million option to buy at the end of his loan spell.
Meanwhile, Maldini Kacurri returned to action in the Football League, playing 18 minutes in Bromley’s 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers. The young centre-back had missed six consecutive league games before making his return as a second-half substitute, shortly after Omari Patrick scored the winner for Tranmere.
Arsenal - Maldini Kacurri
Maldini Kacurri (Image credit: Getty Images)
In the Europa League, Nuno Tavares featured for Lazio in their dramatic 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the round of 16. The full-back played 55 minutes before being substituted for Manuel Lazzari, as Lazio finished the game with nine men. Gustav Isaksen’s late goal secured an important first-leg advantage for the Italian side ahead of their return fixture in Rome.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein played the full 90 minutes for Real Valladolid in their 2-1 defeat to Valencia. Valladolid, who remain deep in the relegation battle, saw Diego Lopez open the scoring for Valencia before Juanmi Latasa equalised. However, a second-half strike from Umar Sadiq sealed the win for their relegation rivals, leaving Valladolid 11 points from safety.
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