Lucas Perez limps off as Arsenal cruise past Reading in EFL Cup fourth round tie

Arsenal face another possible injury concern after Lucas Perez limped off during their comfortable 2-0 EFL Cup fourth round victory over Reading.

Perez, who scored twice in the third round victory over Nottingham Forest, was handed a starting role ahead of the returning Olivier Giroud on Tuesday 25 October.

The Spaniard passed up the opportunity to add to his haul for his new side when he elected to pass rather than shoot when left one-on-one with Reading goalkeeper in the first-half. The 27-year-old's evening came to an end with 18 minutes of the match remaining after a heavy challenge from Danzell Gravenberch just moments after the Reading defender had come off the bench for Jaap Stam's side.

The former Deportivo striker attempted to play on but limped off shortly after and was replaced by Chris Willock.

Perez also recently suffered a knee injury that provided further disruption to his start to life in north London, missing the 1-0 win over Burnley prior to the international break. He returned to the match-day squad for the 3-2 victory over Swansea on 15 October.

The Spaniard has seen his opportunities in the Arsenal first-team restricted thanks to the good form of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott. But speaking to IBTimes UK after Arsenal's 6-0 win over Ludogorets last Wednesday – a game where he laid on two assists for Mesut Ozil – the striker insists his manager has plenty of faith in his abilities.

"The coach told me to be quiet because he trusts in me," Lucas told IBTimes UK after the game. "He says that he has been following me for a long time and that he likes me so I have to be patient. He said that opportunities will come and today he has proved it. He is a good guy and is always there to help us."

"When I came to Arsenal I knew where I was coming. I know there are great players here. I have to wait for the opportunity. Everyone wants to play, but the important thing is the team and we have won seven games in a row."