Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that a rest could do Alexandre Lacazette some good as the Frenchman has struggled in front of goal of late.
The former Lyon forward has started all three of the recently-appointed Arteta's games in charge, but failed to score in any of them.
Lacazette scored in Arsenal's first two home games of the season against Burnley and Tottenham , but has now netted just three goals in his last 11 Premier League matches.
The 28-year-old scored 17 goals in his first season at the club in 2017/18, and followed that up with 19 strikes last season.
The forward found himself on the fringes of the team in the latter weeks of Unai Emery's reign and during Freddie Ljungberg's time in interim charge, but Arteta is backing him to come good once he's feeling a bit fresher.
“He had the chances to put away [in New Year's Day's 2-0 win against Manchester United]," Arteta told the Evening Standard .
"He has been really helpful in giving us a lot of options. He makes his team-mates better, that’s one of the biggest qualities.
“As well, every time he is in front of goal normally he is so clinical.
"I am disappointed that he hasn’t been rewarded with all the work he has done in the last three games because he could have scored three or four goals easily. But the goal will come for him naturally because he is a natural finisher.
“Does he just need one to go in anyhow? Exactly. And maybe a little bit fresher legs will help as well.”
Lacazette could now be rested for Monday night's FA Cup third round tie against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, with Arteta set to make changes to his side.
