Arsenal receive bad news ahead of their match against Sporting Lisbon
The UEFA Europa League has returned to the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon but they received bad news ahead of this game.
TOPSHOT – Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and Bodoe/Glimt at Arsenal Stadium in London on October 6, 2022. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/ AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal will be without striker Eddie Nketiah for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon. The young striker suffered a serious injury and is still a few weeks away from his return to the pitch.
Nketiah has been a key player for Arsenal this season, scoring four Premier League and two Europa League goals before his injury. His absence will be felt by the team but manager Mikel Arteta is confident they will manage without him.
Discussing Nketiah’s injury, Arteta told reporters, “We have to be patient. It was a bad injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him, it could have been worse.” He added that Nketiah was “a few weeks away” from returning to action.
Arsenal welcome Sporting Lisbon to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 after the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw in Portugal. A home win will see the Gunners secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on February 15, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
However, Arteta could be forced to start Leandro Trossard in attacking position as Arsenal’s other striker Gabriel Jesus has just returned from injury and may not be able to start. Trossard has been impressive for Arsenal this season since joining in January.
Overall, while Nketiah’s absence is a blow to Arsenal, they have enough quality in their squad to finish without him. The Gunners need to put in a strong performance on Thursday if they want to progress further in the Europa League and keep their hopes of silver alive this season.
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