Laurent Koscielny picked up a calf injury yesterday during a France training session, and although the extend of the injury is unknown, the Arsenal defender is expected to miss Les Blues next two World Cup 2014 qualifiers.
French national team manager Didier Deschamps called up Kurt Zouma to replace Koscielny to confirm the news that the player will be out for week, at least.
Big blow
It is a frustrating blow for Wenger and co as the French defender has virtually been an ever present alongside Per Mertesacker this season, missing just one game for his sending off in the opening game of the season.
Although his first few matches were shaky, over the past few fixtures he has started to show the high level of performances he put in towards the end of last season that were crucial in the Gunners finishing 4th.
This season his presence in the Arsenal defence will hopefully help them push for a title challenge and for success in the major cup competitions but first we have to find out the length of his injury.
Annoying run with international injuries
Our record with recent international breaks has been torrid to say the least, with both Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla sustaining knocks in the last round of matches.
With this blow to Koscielny, it compounds the Gunners luck when it comes to injuries.
Waiting in the wings
It would give an opportunity to club captain Thomas Vermaelen, who has been a frustrated spectator for much of the season but I think everyone is agreed that the best Arsenal defence doesn’t include the Belgium defender.
We will have to wait and see how long Koscielny is out for but hope that it isn’t too long.
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