Mikel Arteta reveals reason for Alexandre Lacazette missing training

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Alexandre Lacazette has been absent from training this week due to "private reasons".

The Frenchman was not pictured with his teammates on Wednesday or Thursday, raising doubts over his availability for the weekend's Premier League clash with Southampton.

Lacazette was not thought to be carrying an injury of any sort, and Arteta expects the Gunners captain to be fine for the trip to St Mary's on Saturday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: "There are private reasons that I can't comment on but I have no other team news apart from the guys we discussed. We will see if he's available. It's a good possibility that that's the case."

Lacazette only has four Premier League goals to his name in the 2021-22 season and has not scored from open play in the top flight since the 3-0 win over Ralph Hasenhuttl's men at the Emirates back in December.

The 30-year-old enjoys playing Southampton more than any other English side, though, and he boasts a strong record of five goals and three assists from eight Premier League appearances against the Saints.