Arsenal are going to need Albert Sambi Lokonga to spring into life from here on in.
With Granit Xhaka ruled out for three months, there is more pressure on Lokonga to come good for Arsenal following his £15 million arrival from Anderlecht this past summer.
The 21-year-old midfielder offered a glimpse of his talent in the defeat by Chelsea back in August.
But Mikel Arteta has used him sparingly since and he didn’t really blow anybody away alongside Thomas Partey in the draw at Brighton last weekend.
However, Lokonga may well become a much bigger player for Arsenal after the international break.
Explode into life
Arteta’s side are home to Crystal Palace on October 18 in 12 days.
Quite a lot of the Spaniard’s side are away with their national teams right now but Lokonga was not called up for Belgium this time around, despite making his international debut last month.
Not only that, but the Arsenal midfielder was also omitted from Belgium’s Under-21 squad.
In other words, Lokonga will be fresh as a daisy by the time Patrick Vieira’s side visit the Emirates Stadium.
Lokonga has the ability to explode into life in North London and this two-week break is conducive for helping him do just that when Premier League football resumes.
We know that the physicality of the Premier League isn’t a problem for him, based on his showing against the European champions.
Lokonga just needs the run-up and the next 12 days can act as a platform for him.
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