Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to miss the club’s pre-season tour due to a muscle injury. The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact since his £17 million transfer two years ago and spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace. Burnley are reportedly interested in signing Lokonga, with former Anderlecht manager Vincent Kompany keen to be reunited with the player. Lokonga’s chances of impressing Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and securing a regular role in the team have been hampered by this injury setback.
The Gunners’ first team squad recently flew to Germany for their pre-season preparations, but Lokonga was notably absent. The team visited adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach ahead of their first pre-season fixture against Nurnberg. Following their time in Germany, Arsenal is scheduled to travel to America for fixtures against MLS All-Stars, Manchester United, and Barcelona.
Arteta is hopeful that deals for defender Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice will be completed before the team heads stateside. However, Lokonga is unlikely to feature in these matches as he continues his recovery from the muscle injury. The midfielder has expressed his desire to play regularly and gain more game time, indicating that he may be open to a move away from Arsenal.
Lokonga’s potential move to Burnley would see him reunite with Kompany, who knows the player well from their time together at Anderlecht. The Belgian midfielder’s lack of playing time and struggles to win the faith of his manager have hindered his progress at Arsenal. A fresh start at Burnley could provide Lokonga with the opportunity to showcase his abilities and secure regular game time.
In a recent interview on the YouTube channel Wonhee Hyung, Lokonga spoke about his plans for the upcoming season. He emphasized the importance of playing regularly and having the opportunity to contribute to a team. Lokonga’s injury setback may delay his chances of proving himself to Arteta and earning a place in the Arsenal starting lineup.
Lokonga took to Instagram to address his absence from the pre-season tour, stating, “Due to a small muscular injury, I’ll sadly not be part of the summer camp with the team in Germany. I’m focused now on my recovery to prepare for the season and be ready to help the team at my fullest capacity.” The midfielder’s determination to recover and contribute to the team highlights his commitment to Arsenal and his desire to make an impact.
As Arsenal continues their pre-season preparations, Arteta will be assessing his squad and making decisions on potential transfers. Lokonga’s injury setback may complicate matters, but it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. The midfielder’s absence from the pre-season tour will give Arteta a chance to evaluate other options in midfield and potentially make adjustments to his squad.
In the meantime, Lokonga will focus on his recovery and preparing for the upcoming season. His determination to regain full fitness and contribute to the team’s success demonstrates his commitment and professionalism. Whether Lokonga remains at Arsenal or moves to Burnley, he will be eager to prove himself and establish himself as a valuable asset for his team.
As Arsenal fans eagerly await the start of the new season, they will be hoping that Lokonga can overcome his injury setback and fulfill his potential. The midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent during his time at Anderlecht and will be eager to translate that onto the Premier League stage. With Arteta looking to strengthen his squad and make improvements, Lokonga will need to seize any opportunities that come his way and make a strong impression on the manager.