Arsenal Suffer Massive Injury Blow Ahead of Premier League Opener

Arsenal have been hit with a huge injury blow ahead of the Premier League season as star-striker Alexandre Lacazette suffered an ankle twist yesterday.

The 28-year old was spotted in crutches following the Gunners? Emirates Cup match against his former team Olympique Lyonnais. The Frenchman was recorded limping on his way out of the stadium in what was a troubling sight for Arsenal fans.

Alexandre Lacazette, who started the game on Sunday, was replaced by Reiss Nelson within the first 15 minutes following his ankle twist. Manager Unai Emery, however, has played down the fears by stating the injury as ?not important?.?

?It’s in his ankle. He will probably be assessed over the next few days – but it’s not serious. We are thinking it’s not important, he decided with the doctor and with me that it is better to take no more risk,? he said.

?He tried to continue playing but I think it was better in the pre-season to take patience. The doctor said to me he is going to check tomorrow but the thinking is that it is not important,? he added.

When asked about whether Alexandre Lacazette will be fit for Arsenal?s opening Premier League game against Newcastle on August 11, he replied, ?Before that. Soon.?

This has surely relieved the Arsenal fans who thought that they will open the new season without one of their key men. Lacazette was voted as the Arsenal Player of the Year last season as he scored 19 goals in all competitions for the Premier League heavyweights.?

Alexandre Lacazette will most likely not travel with the squad to France this week for Arsenal?s friendly against Angers on Wednesday. Emery will want the forward to recover as they prepare for a hugely important 2019/20 season.

The North Londoners are reportedly on the verge of signing Lille winger Nicolas Pepe for a club-record ?80m to partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette up-front. Arsenal have also added Dani Ceballos, Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba to their ranks, however, the Frenchman has joined Saint Etienne back on loan.?