Arsenal dealt Europa League blow as striker will miss both legs vs. Rennes

Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their Europa League round of 16 tie against Rennes with Alexandre Lacazette suspended for both legs.

UEFA have given the French striker a three-match ban following his sending off in Arsenal’s round of 32 first-leg 1-0 defeat at BATE Borisov.

The second leg – which Unai Emery’s men won 3-0 courtesy of a Zakhar Volkov own goal and further strikes from central defenders Sokratis – counts as part of the punishment.

It means Emery, seeking to win a fourth Europa League crown as manager, goes into the clash with Ligue 1 side Rennes without the Lyon-born marksman.

Lacazette was shown a straight red by Serbian official Sran Jovanovi after elbowing BATE left-back Aleksandar Filipovic with five minutes of the game remaining. Arsenal had been a goal down since the 45th minute when Stanislav Dragun surprised the Gunners by putting the hosts in front.

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In his absence Emery’s side, now featuring a returning Mesut Ozil, nevertheless turned it around subsequently maintaining their unbeaten home run in this season’s competition: three wins and one draw.

Rennes, meanwhile, completed their own remarkable comeback. After drawing their opening leg 3-3 with Real Betis at home, Julien Stéphan took his side to southern Spain and left with a 3-1 win, their appearance in the round 16 marks the club’s best performance in Europe.

The reaction from Arsenal supporters

The news hasn’t gone down to well as many Arsenal supporters vented their displeasure on social media.

Lacazette banned for both legs of round 16, this agenda against us will never end

— AFC Fans HQ (@AFCfansHQ) February 22, 2019

Absolute bull that @LacazetteAlex gets banned for both legs against Rennes. Bit harsh I think but still really positive we will come out on top. Let's go @Arsenal

— donna cheer (@donnacheer) February 22, 2019

Lacazette banned from both legs of the round of sixteen… fml

— Mathew Todd (@mathewtodd_) February 22, 2019

First leg changed to an Away fixture plus @LacazetteAlex banned from both legs? Why always @Arsenal ? pic.twitter.com/4GB5noY7EF

— Arsenal Coimbatore (@ArsenalKovai) February 22, 2019

3-game ban for Lacazette. UGH.

— Ifreke Inyang (@Ifreke) February 22, 2019

Alexandre Lacazette will serve a three match ban for his red card picked up away to BATE. This Means he will miss both legs against Rennes… #EuropaOnStarTimes pic.twitter.com/qg7QWQkVIz

— Bree Mo'ngina (@beebree0) February 22, 2019

Lacazette to miss both legs

— FARDAH BIGGZ AFC (@MoneyTeamK) February 22, 2019

The post Arsenal dealt Europa League blow as striker will miss both legs vs. Rennes appeared first on Squawka News.

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