Arsenal Receive Laurent Koscielny Injury Boost

Arsenal have been handed a major injury boost with reports in France claiming that Laurent Koscielny could be back to face West Ham on Boxing Day.

The French defender was substituted shortly before half-time at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday during Arsenal’s 6-3 defeat to Manchester City, and it was initially feared he may have damaged ligaments in his knee.

It soon emerged that the centre-back had in fact after suffered a ‘deep laceration’ to his right kneecap and looked as though he was facing a spell on the sidelines after posting a gruesome picture of the cut on his Facebook page.

However, French publication L’Equipe is reporting that the Gunners stopper has only been ruled out for 10-15 days after having 10 stitches to close up the gash.

Koscielny will certainly miss this Monday’s top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea, but if the wound heels sufficiently in the next week he has an outside chance of returning to take on West Ham on Boxing Day.

With a packed schedule coming up, it will be a welcome relief to Arsene Wenger to have Koscielny back as his partnership alongside Per Mertesacker has been the bedrock of Arsenal’s impressive start to the season.

Thomas Vermaelen – who is still the club captain – will deputise during his absence but it appears the Belgian’s return to the side will be short-lived, with Koscielny set for a comeback within the next fortnight.

How big a relief will it be to have Koscielny back? Share your views below.