Preview: Arsene Wenger tips Alexandre Lacazette to deliver for Arsenal - will he start against CSKA?

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the club are about to see the best of Alexandre Lacazette after the French striker returned to full fitness following a nagging knee injury.

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette walks past manager Arsene Wenger as he is substituted

Image credit: Reuters

Team news

Lacazette could start in Arsenal's Europa League quarter-final first leg against CSKA Moscow on Thursday - and Wenger has tipped him to shine.

The 26-year-old is hoping to make his first start since January 30 after returning from knee surgery.

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The France international had scored just once in his last 11 league games before the injury lay-off but found the net on his return to action in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Stoke City last weekend.

Wenger's big decision will be whether to allow David Ospina to continue in goal or if he will give Petr Cech a return to European action in such an important fixture for the club.

Wenger quotes

Wenger said Lacazette had been troubled for weeks by the injury before he was eventually sidelined with the surgery.

"I think we are (ready to see the best of Lacazette) because I realise now that he was not himself for a while," he said. "That explains why his goals dried out...

Match context

The Gunners will be pushing for what is their only remaining chance of winning a trophy this season.

Arsenal, who are sixth in the Premier League, are listed as the second favourites for Europa League glory with most bookmakers behind Atletico Madrid.

Wenger's side host Southampton on Sunday a full 13 points behind north London rivals Tottenham, who are in fourth place.

Arsene Wenger manager / head coach of Arsenal

Image credit: Getty Images

Match facts

Additional reporting from Reuters, stats provided by Opta

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