Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is confident Alexandre Lacazette will hit the goals trail.

Arteta is backing Lacazette to end his goal struggles after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's red-card appeal was kicked out.

The Spaniard admitted: “I hope we're not going to suffer without Auba and other players have to step up.

“When one of your big players is not there, it's up to the others to take responsibility. I'm sure when some players aren't in the team, they want a chance and they talk about it.

“Well, now it's time to do the talking on the pitch, to come in and make the same impact as the player you are replacing and to show me that you are as good as him or even better."

LAcazette has not scored in his last six appearances for Arsenal and has managed just five league goals all season.

Arteta admitted: “His lack of goals is a concern for me if it's a concern for him. He's missed chances in recent games and he could easily have put four or five goals together.

“That's a little bit strange for him — but players do have these ups and downs.

“And I think he's still going to be a very important player for us. In terms of his performances, I am really happy with his contribution.

“His work out of position has been phenomenal, he's sensing goals for the team and creating situations for his team-mates.

“I can try to help him by talking to him and giving him confidence. But the ball still has to end up in the net and that is clearly the best medicine for all strikers.

“What we have to do as a team is put Laca in positions where he can have as many opportunities as possible during the game.

“But it's not just down to him. Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli... whoever plays on Saturday has to step in and be ready to make a difference for the team."