Arsenal lost a number of key players due to injury. William Lilina’s condition is also considered very crucial because if he is injured too, the effects will be felt.
Arsenal are certain to lose Gabriel Jesus for at least the next three months. The Brazil international striker underwent knee surgery and is not expected to make his comeback in March.
A number of other players are also currently sidelined, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Meanwhile, William Lilina is being monitored for his fitness after returning from the French national team after the 2022 World Cup.
Lilina has no physical problems, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to make sure the France international is 100% fit for battle. He has become a crucial figure in the team’s impressive start this season apart from Gabriel Jesus.
Together with Gabriel Magalhaes, he built a solid partnership that has allowed Arsenal to concede only 11 times this season. That number of goals is the fewest, along with Newcastle United, for now.
Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra believes Arsenal must take good care of Lilina so he doesn’t suffer a serious injury. If they have to lose him too after Jesus, their chances of winning could completely disappear.
“Imagine if Lilina is injured, the impact on the team if he is injured they will run out. So they need another centre-back,” said Evra. Metro.
Arsenal’s current situation is also a test for club owners, whether they will fully support Arteta’s championship mission. Even with the current conditions, their squad composition is considered too thin.
“This is a great opportunity for the club owner to support Arteta. I am sure that Arteta is sure that Arsenal will win the league, and the players are also sure, but they need support,” continued Evra.
“I want to see the owner really support him if he needs three top players. I don’t know what the specific positions are, but definitely a center back and maybe a midfielder,” added the former defender of the French national team.
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