adminLONDON. — Arsenal could be without Laurent Koscielny for this weekend’s clash with Stoke after he missed France’s 2-1 win over Serbia on Monday night because of an injury to his “psoas”. French television reported the defender was absent as a precaution with pain in his lower back. This latest injury for Koscielny will be a concern for manager Arsene Wenger after he also missed Arsenal’s match against Liverpool with a back problem.
In his absence, youngster Calum Chambers had a torrid first half against Christian Benteke. Per Mertesacker missed the matches against Liverpool and Newcastle with illness but is likely to be fit to return at the Emirates on Saturday. Arsenal are still reeling from the news Danny Welbeck will be out until at least Christmas after knee surgery. The England striker has not played for the club since April.
Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky are the other names on Arsenal’s injury list. Christian Benteke is also an injury doubt for Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester United. The striker was brought off at half-time in Belgium’s win over Cyprus in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday.
He was replaced by Liverpool team-mate Divock Origi in what was thought to be a tactical switch by manager Marc Wilmots. — The Daily Express.
Online Reporter