Arsene Wenger has put full responsibility on Reading’s Danzell Gravenberch for the injury suffered by Lucas Perez during the 2-0 EFL Cup victory.
The Gunners boss stated that the Reading defender’s tackle on the £17million summer signing was “stupid” and will now leave him without Lucas for at least six weeks.
During his pre-Sunderland press conference Wenger went on to make several comments suggesting that the tackle should have received more of a punishment by the referee.
Gravenberch’s challenge was made delibrately and has now left the centre forward options limited going into the festive period:
It’s an injury coming from nowhere, and a stupid one, because it was a deliberate kick. It’s very frustrating. It was not needed, I think it was more of a frustrated reaction from the player.
It’s a similar tackle to Xhaka (vs. Swansea) but there was no red card.
Lucas is now expected to miss big games against the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as Champions League action that he’s managed to feature in heavily.
With Lucas out it’s a great time to welcome back Olivier Giroud who is in contention for a starting place against Sunderland this weekend, should Wenger want to rotate Alexis.
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