Why Unai Emery did not always start Lucas Torreira for Arsenal

Since arriving last summer from Sampdoria for around 26 million pounds, Lucas Torreira has impressed Arsenal.

The aggressive and defensive playing style of the 22-year-old means that he's already become a fan favorite.

However, the central midfield race in the first team has been inconsistent lately.

The Uruguayan have played only four of Arsenal's last eight games, having recently left the bench against Burnley, Fulham and West Ham.

Torreira was included in the team that went to Blackpool for the shock of the FA Cup third round but failed to figure.

Since the 22-year-old has only started 50% of Arsenal's previous eight games, fans are more and more worried. Is the midfielder hiding an injury or Emery just does not want to Uruguayan?

According to the Times, the artillery chief is protecting Torreira. It has been reported that the Spaniard had medical concerns about the midfielder succumbing to an injury.

Instead of returning the Uruguayan star, Emery decided to take his time and make sure the midfielder was in top form.

Torreira started and played every 90 minutes for Arsenal against Chelsea this weekend, giving his boss a welcome boost.