Charlie Nicholas wants Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira to start

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Lucas Torreira has been given a very limited amount of game time at Arsenal so far.

Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he cannot understand why Unai Emery is not picking Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira.

Arsenal have failed to find the right combination in midfield so far this season, but Torreira hasn’t been given a run of starts.

Emery seems to have a reluctance to utilise Torreira, and even when he is played, the role he is given doesn’t always suit him.

The Uruguayan has impressed most when given a defensive midfield role, but Emery has often played him slightly further forward, which has limited his effectiveness.

And Nicholas cannot understand why Torreira, who cost £26 million (BBC Sport), is not playing more often at the Emirates Stadium.

“I don’t think the manager is under scrutiny. I know there are a lot of fans who will be questioning what he is doing,” Nicholas said. “What are his choices? Why is Bellerin not back? Why did it take so long to get Tierney into the left-back position when he was fit?

“What’s happening with the two centre-backs? Why is it still not fixed? Is Xhaka and Guendouzi the right partnership in midfield? The answer for me is no so why is he not fixing it? Why are you not playing Torreira and sorting that problem out?”

Torreira may actually have a chance of breaking into Arsenal’s team in the coming weeks, as Granit Xhaka’s place is under huge threat.

Xhaka showed dissent towards the fans in Arsenal’s last match, as he reacted angrily towards them after being substituted off in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Xhaka may now need to be taken out of Arsenal’s team to resolve the situation, which could open a spot up for Torreira.

Arsenal are next in action in the League Cup when they take on Liverpool tomorrow.