Arsenal have received a big boost with the news that striker Lucas Perez has returned to training. The Spaniard missed last weekend’s trip to Burnley but is expected to be fit in time for the Swansea match after the international break (via Metro).
Well he hasn’t played as much as many people would have expected but Lucas Perez’s absence from the bench on Sunday was still a surprise. The Gunners failed to have a single striker in reserve and the lack of options was noted as the game stayed at 0-0 until the last few seconds.
Olivier Giroud’s injury problems have been very public this season but Lucas Perez’s absence was something of a surprise. It was revealed that the 28-year-old had a slight knee injury but Arsene Wenger has been boosted by his return to training.
The Gunners don’t play again for another week but Perez’s return should make for good reading. Alexis Sanchez has occupied the starting centre forward spot for a number of matches but the ex-Barcelona man might not be fit in time to play against Swansea next week.
The Chilean is away with his international team and will play a match against Peru in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The Swansea match is on the Saturday which probably doesn’t leave Sanchez enough time to return and recover. Lucas Perez’s return comes at a very good time for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.