Arsenal loanee provides La Liga assist in 1st start post-injury | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga took two steps forward with Sevilla on Friday, playing his first 90 minutes after injury and providing an assist.

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Sevilla FC players pose for a photo on pitch prior to the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Sevilla FC at RCDE Stadium on October 25, 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

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.

SEVILLE, SPAIN: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC controls the ball whilst under pressure from Ivan Martin of Girona FC during the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and Girona FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 01, 2024. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

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.

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Gavi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Albert Sambi Lokonga of Sevilla FC during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 20, 2024. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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.