Laurent Koscielny(credit:
Wikipedia)
Arsenal have received a huge boost with the news defender Laurent Koscielny will feature in tonight’s crucial Champions League Group H clash with Partizan Belgrade. (kick-off 19.45 GMT, live on ITV1)
Koscielny was expected to be out until the New Year, along with fellow centre-back Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles), after suffering a concussion during the 2-1 win over Fulham at the weekend.
But manager Arsene Wenger revealed to Sky Sports News: “He has been fit to play. He will play.”
However, the Gunners have suffered another setback at centre-back with Johan Djourou, who would have been Koscielny’s replacement, now ruled out with a thigh problem.
Wenger added: “Djourou, as a risk, could have played but we didn’t want to take a gamble.”
Arsenal also remain without Manuel Almunia, Cesc Fabregas and Abou Diaby, but they do welcome back Emmanuel Eboue for this tie, which they must win to make certain of qualification to the knockout stage of this season’s competition.
Last Premier League game:
ARSENAL 2 Fulham 1: Fabianski, Sagna, Koscielny (Djourou 33), Squillaci, Clichy, Rosicky (Van Persie 63), Nasri, Song, Wilshere (Walcott 74), Arshavin, Chamakh. Not used: Szczesny, Gibbs, Denilson, Bendtner.