Arsenal 24yo returns from 2nd injury of the season | OneFootball

Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga returned from injury to come off the bench for Sevilla in a 1-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Albert Sambi Lokonga after signing on loan for Sevilla (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram)

After just over a month out with a hamstring injury, Albert Sambi Lokonga returned to the Sevilla squad at an ideal moment on Sunday.

Sevilla were preparing to play in the Seville derby against Real Betis, and Lokonga made their squad for the first time in five games.

The Arsenal loan midfielder began the game on the bench, but he came on for the final 18 minutes to help Sevilla see out a 1-0 victory despite going down to 10 men.

Albert Sambi Lokonga trains with Arsenal (Photo via Lokonga on Instagram)

Lokonga’s injury was already his second of the season, having picked up an issue in pre-season that saw him miss the opening game of the competitive campaign.

After returning and making two appearances in late August and early September, Lokonga suffered another setback.

The hope will be that the 24-year-old can stay fit and play regularly this time around.

As a reminder, Sevilla have a £10m option to buy in Lokonga’s loan deal. If he’s not playing consistently, it’s hard to see them deciding to activate it.

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)

Sunday’s result saw Sevilla draw level on points with Betis after nine games, as well as gaining a head-to-head advantage over their rivals.

La Liga positions are decided first on points and then on head-to-head record, so that could be crucial if both teams end the season level.

But head-to-head record only applies once both games have been played, so for now, Betis remain ahead in the table on goal difference.