Following the Premier League’s announced postponement, Arsenal could be handed a fitness bonus with the return of Lucas Torreira.
The Uruguayan midfielder had previously been ruled out for the remainder of the season, having fractured his ankle while playing against Portsmouth in the FA Cup earlier this month.
Given a recovery timetable of between eight and 10 weeks, Torreira’s season was, at the time, officially over, although now due to the recent outbreak-inspired Premier League delay, the 24-year-old could yet feature again this season for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi have both been announced as having contracted the serious virus this week, and with several clubs having entered complete lockdown or self-isolation, the Premier League have delayed their next round of fixtures until the weekend of April 3-5.
Some have speculated that unless there is a dramatic decline in infections in the next few weeks, the Premier League could be delayed even further, which could allow Torreira the opportunity to make a comeback this season.
The former Sampdoria man had begun to build up somewhat of a small moment of form for the Gunners, so Arteta could feel that his return could provide Arsenal with a much-needed boost as the club eye a Europa League spot.
The Gunners are currently ninth in the Premier League table, and the club have just two avenues to ensure they are back in Europe again next season – league qualification or winning the FA Cup.
