Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares has made a swift recovery from the thigh injury that saw him forced off just 22 minutes into his Lazio debut last month.

The Portuguese left-back was back on the bench for Lazio’s 2-1 defeat against 10-man Udinese on Saturday, as his loan spell continues to regain momentum.

ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 13: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio during the SS Lazio training session at Formello sport centre on August 13, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi - SS Lazio/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 13: Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio during the SS Lazio training session at Formello sport centre on August 13, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares’ loan spell at Lazio hit an early hurdle last month when the Portuguese left-back was forced off with a muscle injury just 22 minutes into his debut against Trapani.

The thigh problem during the pre-season friendly was not the first muscular issue Tavares has faced. Similar problems kept him out of several games during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest last season.

Tavares, who joined Lazio on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions, was initially expected to be sidelined for an extended period. However, he has since recovered and is now back available for selection.

Before the setback, Tavares expressed his excitement about joining Lazio and his readiness to contribute to their title challenge.

“I feel very good, I understood straight away that this is a great club,” Tavares said. “I am quite surprised at how much I already feel at home. I am in a great club that is fighting for the title, and this is the most important thing. I am here to help the team achieve its objectives.”

Arsenal could potentially receive €9m (£7.6m) plus a sell-on clause if the transfer becomes permanent.

They paid Benfica €8m for him in 2021.