Arsenal idol ‘100 per cent’ sure on Eddie Nketiah axe after early team news confirmed pre-Chelsea
Kevin Campbell has tipped Alexandre Lacazette to replace Eddie Nketiah in the Arsenal starting XI against Chelsea if passed fit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners and Everton striker is “100 per cent” sure of Lacazette’s return as Mikel Arteta has no-one better in that position.
Lacazette missed the trip to Southampton on Saturday after testing positive for Covid last week.
Speaking to club media after the defeat to Southampton (19 April), Mikel Arteta revealed club staff would assess his availability ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
Nketiah started in place of the French striker at Southampton but failed to score as the Gunners slipped to a 1-0 defeat.
When asked if Nketiah did enough to retain his place, Campbell told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “To be fair, Nketiah and Arsenal played alright against Southampton.
“The problem was we couldn’t score but that’s a problem even when Lacazette plays, let’s have it right.
“Goals have come by committee this season. They’ve been shared among the team. That number nine position comes under the spotlight when we don’t score though.
“If Lacazette is fit he comes back in, 100 per cent. Arsenal don’t have anyone better in that position.”
Lacazette has been Arsenal’s first-choice striker since the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January.
The former Lyon forward has contributed six goals and eight assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.
In other news, an expert is ‘100 per cent’ sure on Arsenal signing Thomas Partey ally after source’s transfer update.