Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga took two steps forward with Sevilla on Friday, playing his first 90 minutes after injury and providing an assist.
Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has struggled with untimely injuries on his recent loan spells away from the club, and there were fears that this season could be more of the same towards the end of September.
Just two months into the campaign, Lokonga had already suffered two hamstring injuries. He missed five competitive fixtures, and before Friday he hadn’t started a match since September 1st.
That changed in Sevilla’s match against Espanyol, with the Arsenal loanee not just starting but playing the full 90 minutes of the contest.
What’s more, Lokonga even assisted Sevilla’s opening goal, albeit with a very simple pass. The midfielder picked the ball up in his own half and carried it forwards before laying off a pass to Dodi Lukebakio.
Lukebakio then fired a shot into the top corner from outside the penalty area, so he’ll take most of the credit for the goal. You can watch the replay here or below from the timestamp 0:22.
Though Lokonga was perhaps a little fortunate to register an assist on that occasion, he did create another better opportunity that wasn’t converted later in the match.
With 42 minutes on the clock, Lokonga set up Isaac Romero for a great chance inside the area, but Romero failed to take the chance and fired into the back of an opponent.
Lukebakio doubled Sevilla’s lead minutes later, and the team went on to win 2-0.
Lokonga will be pleased to have broken back into the Sevilla lineup and to have made a positive impression against Espanyol. The team are next in action against Las Rozas in the first round of the Copa del Rey.