Date: 20th February 2019 at 5:14pm
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Arsenal hero and academy coach Freddie Ljungberg has named the player he wants to see replace Alexandre Lacazette f0r Thursday night’s Europa League clash with BATE Borisov.

After lashing out with flailing elbow in last week’s first leg, the Frenchman will miss the return tie at the Emirates.

Unai Emery could elect to deploy top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but former midfielder Ljungberg has told the Spanish tactician that youngster Eddie Nketiah is ready to make the step up.

“If he gets the call, he’s ready to play without question,” Ljungberg told the Islington Gazette. “It’s totally up to the manager, I’ve always thought we have players who are ready to do well but it’s up to the first team.

Lacazette saw red in the first-leg fixture

“All I can do is advise and try to get the players as ready as possible.

“It’s important for Eddie to play games.

Lacazette has established himself as a firm favourite at the Emirates since arriving just over 18 months ago from Lyon.

To this point in his Gunners’ career, Lacazette has notched 27 goals across all competitions.

But while the France international has not proven overly-prolific, he has contributed to the Arsenal cause in a multitude of other ways.

Let’s hope whoever replaces him can step up for Emery’s side on Thursday night.

 

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