MIKEL ARTETA is backing Alexandre Lacazette to end his goal struggles after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s red-card appeal was kicked out.
Arsenal hoped to overturn talisman Aubameyang’s three-match ban for a wild tackle on Max Meyer during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
But their request was given short shrift by the FA, which means the Gabon star will miss league games against Sheffield United and Chelsea as well as the FA Cup tie at Bournemouth.
Aubameyang has scored 48 per cent of all Arsenal’s Premier League goals this season — and all but three of their goals away from home.
And ahead of hosting the Blades on Saturday, boss Arteta admitted: “It has been confirmed we are going to lose Auba for three games and that is really bad news for us.
“It was a completely accidental action, in my opinion, but unfortunately he mistimed his tackle and we have to accept the decision.
“He was very sad after the game and disappointed that he left us with ten men. But Auba has been superb under me, he’s trained very well and he’s working so hard.
“He’s been scoring regularly and has probably been the most important player on the team.
“So it’s a big shame and a big loss for us because we all know Auba’s intentions whenever he plays.”
Now Arteta will discover how his team will cope without their £60million captain, who shared the Premier League Golden Boot last season and has scored 16 times in all competitions this time.
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