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Emery suggests Rob Holding could have a big role to play for Arsenal this season

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has suggested that defender Rob Holding could be an important player for the club this season.

Holding is currently recovering from a serious knee injury suffered against Manchester United in December, though the club are hopeful he could be fit for the start of the new season.

Emery has been reported to be interested in strengthening his options at centre-back this summer, however, the Spaniard has indicated that the 24-year-old could play a big role for Arsenal upon his return from injury.

“We are really happy with his progress,” Emery told the media over in the USA.

“He started training with us a few days ago. We’re going to do one process to let him play little by little. We need his performances as a centre-back.

“When he had his injury he was really playing with big performances. We’re looking forward to seeing him with us and other players with injuries like Hector Bellerin, [Konstantinos] Mavropanos and Emile Smith Rowe. We are waiting for [Holding] to come back with us with his quality.”

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