Yesterday, when Arsenal overcame Huddersfield 2-1 in the Premier League, a lot of the fans would have been casting an eye over their Europa League clash with BATE Borisov on Thursday. Unai Emery likely also had it in mind when he decided to sub off Lucas Torreira for Mohamed Elneny just before the hour mark.
Our first change of the game…
0-2 #HUDARS pic.twitter.com/wTWim8DFVM
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) 9 February 2019
Since Lucas Torreira was signed in the summer the dynamic has been changed in the Gunners’ midfield. The little Uruguayan is much like the side he faced yesterday, a terrier. The 22-year-old has shown that he has what it takes to be the star defensive midfielder in this Arsenal side, and he really announced himself onto the scene when he scored in a 4-2 win over Tottenham back in December.
However, it doesn’t matter how good a player is, if they get fatigued and overplayed then they won’t be able to sustain their levels, and Emery is obviously trying to keep his main man fit, especially with an important European tie coming up in just a matter of days. Truth be told, BATE Borisov shouldn’t be too stern of a test for the Gunners, but having Torreira fit and firing will make the job much easier.
You can read the Gunners’ verdict on the Torreira sub here:
Good idea for EL game on Thursday
— Craig Gooner (@KentGooner77) 9 February 2019
https://twitter.com/matthew_kaye1/status/1094268891797340162
Torrera need rest. Good sub
— Prinze Arsenal Fc (@ArseneSam) February 9, 2019
Finally giving Torreira a rest! Clearly been playing at way less than 100% of late.
— Harry (@AFC_Harry34) 9 February 2019
Don’t mind that, everyone needs a rest.
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) February 9, 2019
— Bob_Zain (@7game777) 9 February 2019
Emery thinking about Thursday already I think
— Bright (@brightknows) February 9, 2019
The Gunners are glad to see Emery thinking ahead to their European game and will hope their little Uruguayan is ready to have a big impact.
