Francis Coquelin back after international break?

Francis Coquelin will not be ruled out for more than two months but could be back within as little as 15 days, according to reports in France.

French outlet L’Equipe are reporting that the Arsenal midfielder’s injury is not as bad as first feared, with initial reports stating that Arsenal feared their player could be sidelined for more than two months.

Coquelin picked up a knee injury during Saturday’s 3-0 thrashing of rivals Chelsea when making a block tackle on N’Golo Kante.  The 25-year-old could not continue and was replaced by Granit Xhaka in the 32nd minute.

Only earlier today were the Evening Standard one of many reports suggesting that the defensive midfielder would be out of action for around two months.

However, L’Equipe are now suggesting that Francis Coquelin will be backing in action after 15 days ‘rest’, although do not specify what the injury is.  This would rule him out of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with FC Basel and the weekend game at Burnley, but would see the French midfielder available once again to face Swansea City in our Premier League clash on 15 October.

It’s good news for Arsenal fans, although perhaps not for Xhaka who has found himself behind Coquelin in the pecking order in recent weeks, despite his £34 million price tag from Borussia Monchengladbach over the summer.

We shall wait for any official confirmation from Arsenal on the extent of Francis Coquelin’s injury but it’s good to hear this positive news after the initial fears.