Arsenal loanee plays against Barcelona after 2nd injury return | OneFootball

Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga continued his comeback from injury against Barcelona on Sunday, despite missing out on the Sevilla starting lineup.

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)

Arsenal loan midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga only recently returned from his second injury of the season, making his comeback as a substitute during Sevilla’s derby win over Real Betis ahead of the international break.

Though the break gave him a little more time to get up to speed, Lokonga evidently still wasn’t ready for a start against Barcelona on Sunday.

But with the hosts going 3-0 up in the first half, Lokonga was introduced at the break.

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)

In wasn’t a bad appearance for the midfielder, as he completed 95% of his passes and made a couple of clearances. But he failed to create any chances or take any shots, and Barcelona ended up 5-1 winners.

All the same, getting 45 minutes under his belt is significant for Lokonga, especially against one of the stronger teams in the league.

Sevilla face 15th-place club Espanyol on Friday, and perhaps that offers a better opportunity for Lokonga to make his first start since September 1st.

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

As mentioned, Lokonga’s recent 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, the Belgian international then suffered another setback.

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.