Arsenal star Nuno Tavares’ loan spell at Lazio has got off to the worst possible start after he limped off injured just 22 minutes into his debut.
Tavares joined the Serie A side on a season-long deal just a few days ago – his third loan spell in as many seasons.
He signed for Arsenal from Benfica in 2021 for around £8million but failed to impress Mikel Arteta, heading off to Marseille the following season.
The left-back shone in France, scoring six times in 39 appearances, but had no impact whatsoever at Nottingham Forest last season.
His future at the Emirates appears to be all but over, with the loan deal at Lazio containing an obligation to buy should certain conditions be met.
But if the 24-year-old was hoping to make a fresh start in Italy, those dreams took a huge blow on Thursday when he made his debut in a friendly against Trapani.
Though Tavares started well, he appeared to pick up a problem in his left thigh and worryingly went down with no other players around him.
He was forced off the pitch in the 22nd minute, and instantly had an ice pack strapped to the leg in question.
It remains to be seen how bad the injury is and if it could affect the Portuguese defender’s loan.
Tavares has struggled with some fitness issues in the past, missing six games last season, while he suffered three separate injuries during his last season with Benfica.
Upon his departure for Lazio, a statement from Arsenal read: ‘This step in Nuno’s career is a great opportunity to develop further by gaining valuable experience in Serie A and Italian football.
‘Everyone at Arsenal wishes Nuno all the best this coming season with Lazio.’
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