Can Albert Sambi Lokonga play against Arsenal? Many fans have been keen to know as Crystal Palace take on the Gunners this Sunday.
The south Londoners travel to the Emirates Stadium this weekend in desperate need of a win, having failed to taste victory in 2023 so far.
Lokonga – therefore – is yet to win a game since joining Crystal Palace on loan from Arsenal back in January, and has actually only seen the Eagles score three goals in seven games since his deadline day arrival.
So, can Lokonga play against Arsenal this Sunday? Let’s take a look…
Can Albert Sambi Lokonga play against Arsenal?
While Paddy McCarthy – who is taking charge of this game after Patrick Vieira was sacked – would love to have the 23-year-old available for selection this weekend, he is unable to call upon his No.8 for the trip to Arsenal.
As is usually the case when it comes to loan agreements, Arsenal negotiated a term with Crystal Palace which means Lokonga would not be allowed to play against them.
Chelsea did the same last season with Conor Gallagher – the England international was unable to be used by Vieira for the trip to Stamford Bridge, and also when the Blues came to Selhurst Park.
Nowadays, it is the norm.
There are some instances across Europe where loanees have haunted their parent club, however.
For example, Philippe Coutinho was allowed to play against Barcelona back in August 2020 despite being on loan at the Allianz Arena from the Spanish giants.
Remarkably, the Brazil international scored two goals and also provided one assist as Bayern Munich hammered Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League Quarter-Final.
Bayern Munich also benefitted from a similar scenario back in May 2018 as James Rodriguez – on loan from Real Madrid – scored against Los Blancos inside the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League Semi-Final.
Nevertheless, Arsenal fans will not have to worry about Lokonga doing the same for Crystal Palace on Sunday.
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