The 28 - year - old was surprisingly dropped to
the bench during last season's 3 - 1 defeat an Anfield, and Wenger will seek to have the Chilean from the off this time around as he seeks to avoid back - to - back away defeats in the top - flight.
Not exact matches
The 29 - year - old is set to be rewarded for an impressive
season last year where he forced his way into Louis van Gaal's starting XI and was even able to keep the club's record signing Angel Di Maria on the
bench during the second half of the
season.
Many Gunners wanted Lucas to play more often
last season, having impressed
during his limited appearances, but Arsene Wenger opted to leave him
benched for a large number of matches, leaving him frustrated.
He scored a few off the
bench last season when Wenger decided to start Walcott, did the same for France
during the Vardy rumours and the Benzema boos, and again
last weekend after he had lost his place.