Arsenal Rocked By Double Injury Blow Ahead Of Crucial Besiktas Clash

Arsenal have been rocked by a double injury blow ahead of our crucial Champions League play-off clash against Besiktas with Kieran Gibbs and Laurent Koscielny both in danger of missing the game.

Koscielny was a doubt to face Crystal Palace on Saturday but managed to get through the entire ninety minutes after passing a late fitness test, and played a key role in our comeback victory having scored the equaliser.

However, he limped away from the game after his troublesome Achilles problem flared up once again and Arsene Wenger has confirmed the French international will have to be assessed ahead of tomorrow nights game.

Our lack of options at centre-back are already causing us problems as the boss will be forced to take Per Mertesacker to Turkey in case Koscielny isn’t able to play. Mertesacker has only had one weeks training since returning to pre-season late following his World Cup exploits but the German may have to be drafted in to start alongside Calum Chambers, which is far from ideal.

One player who seems certain to miss out is Kieran Gibbs with the Guardian newspaper claiming that the left-back has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Gibbs was forced off in the 53rd minute on Saturday and while Nacho Monreal should start against Besiktas, Arsene has confirmed he’ll take Hector Bellerin and Ignasi Miquel as cover in defence.

“We will assess him [Koscielny] and, if he is capable of playing, I will play him,”

“I planned to bring the Germans back in contention for Everton but, in case of emergency, I will take Mertesacker. It’s a bit early for him – ideally he would need one more week’s preparation – but he’s willing to play.

“The Gibbs situation makes it even more [significant]. We have Bellerín, who is 19 but a player I am certain can come in, but we are a bit short. I have Ignasi Miquel as well who can travel. We will see – I hope that Koscielny responds well.” source: Guardian

Obviously it will be a huge blow if Koscielny joins Gibbs in missing the game and our poor luck with injuries is already beginning to take its tole. Hopefully we should still have enough to secure a positive result away at Besiktas ahead of the return leg next week, as it would be a disaster for Arsenal to lose and miss out on the Champions League group stages.