Arsenal boss updates on Alexandre Lacazette's injury

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has said that he is hopeful that Alexandre Lacazette can recover from an ankle strain to make the matchday squad against Newcastle United.

The France international picked up the injury during the Emirates Cup encounter against Lyon and he has since missed the friendlies against Angers and Barcelona.

Speaking after the Juan Gamper Trophy, Emery said that he is optimistic over the striker's comeback and the next few days will decide whether the striker will make the team for the Premier League opener.

"Hopefully he could be available for the match against Newcastle. The doctors, they are optimistic. We are going to wait. The next days are going to be very important to see how he is going to progress with his injury," he said.

Aside from Lacazette, record signing Nicolas Pepe also missed the recent friendly against Barcelona, where the Gunners suffered a 2-1 loss. He could make his debut against the Magpies, provided he has got up to speed.