Alexandre Lacazette is a doubt for Lyon’s friendly against Feyenoord on Sunday after he was attacked by wasps during a walk in the forest.

Alexandre Lacazette after scoring for Lyon in a friendly against Bourg en Bresse Peronnas
Alexandre Lacazette after scoring for Lyon in a friendly against Bourg en Bresse Peronnas

Alexandre Lacazette scored only minutes into his return to Lyon but has not enjoyed the best time since.

Criticism from his coach has been followed by uncertainty over his squad number (more on that below) and he now faces missing part of pre-season because of a freak event.

The 31-year-old was ‘stung several times’ in the forest beside Lyon’s hotel in Sint-Michielsgestel in the Netherlands.

It is not clear if it was the volume of stings that has caused the problem or if Lacazette has suffered an allergic reaction.

Lacazette desire causes issues in Lyon dressing room

A report from France claims that Alexandre Lacazette’s desire to get his old shirt number back after his return is causing tensions in the dressing room but it could point to the future of a player linked with Arsenal.

Alexandre Lacazette after scoring for Lyon in a friendly against Bourg en Bresse Peronnas
Alexandre Lacazette after scoring for Lyon in a friendly against Bourg en Bresse Peronnas

Despite re-signing for Lyon almost three weeks ago, Alexandre Lacazette still hasn’t got a squad number.

According to Sport in France, the former Arsenal man wants the number 10 shirt which he wore before he left for Arsenal in 2017.

The only problem with that is that it is currently on the back of Lucas Paqueta.

Paqueta, as you may be aware, has been linked with a move to Arsenal, which could explain why Lacazette hasn’t just settled on another number. If the player is set to leave, it would make sense for Lacazette to wait for the shirt he really wants.

Should Paquetta stay, there is no sign that he will give up the shirt so Lacazette can have it back with Sport predicting damaged egos to come.

There is also talk if Lacazette can’t have the 10, he wants the 9 that he wore at Arsenal, but that is currently worn by Moussa Dembele.

Given that he scored 21 goals, with four assists, in 30 Ligue 1 games last season, I doubt he will feel inclined to give up his shirt, either.