Alexandre Lacazette joined his Arsenal team-mates in training on Monday as he steps up his recovery from knee surgery.
The French striker has been sidelined since mid-February after undergoing an operation to correct an ongoing issue with his left knee.
In Lacazette’s absence Arsenal have been limited to only one senior striker available for the Europa League, Danny Welbeck, but Arsene Wenger will be encouraged to see the former Lyon forward back on the training pitch well ahead of next Thursday’s quarter-final first leg against CSKA Moscow.
Lacazette was among a clutch of the Arsenal squad not way with their international teams who trained this morning at London Colney, including Aaron Ramsey.
As Standard Sport revealed before the international break, the Welsh midfielder was withdrawn to undergo a minor operation on his groin but is set to be available for Sunday’s game against Stoke, as will Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil.
Both players have withdrawn from their international squads but are expected to recover in time. Whether Wenger will opt to use them or Lacazette against Stoke remains to be seen, with the following game against CSKA Moscow the clear priority for the Gunners, whose only hope of Champions League qualification comes through the Europa League.
