Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal 2018-19Getty Images

Revealed: Why Lacazette is missing from Arsenal's squad to face Bournemouth

Arsenal have confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette is missing from the squad to face Bournemouth on Sunday due to a groin injury.

The Gunners forward has been in impressive form thus far in the 2018-19 campaign and was expected to once again lead the line against Eddie Howe's side.

Indeed, Lacazette is Arsenal's second top goalscorer this season with six in all competitions, three behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who has nine.

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Unai Emery has consistently started Lacazette in the No.9 role leading the attack, with Aubameyang having been moved to a wide attacking berth to accommodate the Frenchman.

And it has proved effective thus far, with Emery's front line having helped steer the Gunners to fifth in the Premier League table.

Arsenal are unbeaten since a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in August, with Lacazette's five league goals having helped them claim seven wins from their opening 12 matches in England's top flight.

He was, however, absent from the squad that travelled to the Vitality Stadium, with eyebrows having been raised as to the reason for him missing out against a Bournemouth side that had been flying prior to the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle last time out.

The north Londoners have since taken to social media to confirm why Lacazette was not with the squad, revealing that it is due to an issue with his groin.

They tweeted to confirm: "Lacazette (tight groin) misses out today as a precaution."

The France striker's absence will see Aubameyang given the opportunity to start in the No.9 position, with Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan selected in supporting roles behind the 29-year-old.

Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey both miss out on places in the starting XI, however, with the creative midfield duo named among the substitutes.

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