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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lee Wilmot

The big hint that Unai Emery is ready to unleash Alexandre Lacazette vs Sheffield United

Alexandre Lacazette has only managed 147 minutes of football so far this season.

The France international has been plagued by an ankle injury, only playing in the games with Burnley, Liverpool and north London rivals Tottenham.

He has two goals in that short space of time on the pitch, though, making him an important member of Unai Emery's attacking plans.

With Nicolas Pepe joining the Gunners for a club-record £72million in the summer, much was expected of the front three this season. But they have only been together once - during that 2-2 draw with Spurs.

Could that all be about to change, though?

Lacazette has returned to full training during the international break and in an injury update on their official website Arsenal said: "Alex is progressing well and is back in full training. Decision on his participation for Monday’s match at Sheffield United will be made in the forthcoming days."

But Emery has already given a big hint that he plans to use Lacazette on Monday night.

The Gunners played a behind-closed-doors friendly with Reading during the international break, with the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, Mesut Ozil, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin involved.

Lacazette was not.

It was decided that he should not be risked after his return from injury and his absence suggests that Emery is keeping him back for some involvement during the game with Sheffield United, which will be music to the fans' ears.

Lacazette is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes against the Blades, having been out since September 1, but could play some part against a side Arsenal may have to be patient to try and break down, given their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

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