Arsenal have been handed a huge boost ahead of their first fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday night, as Arsene Wenger has declared that Laurent Koscielny ‘should be fit’.
Koscielny was withdrawn from the game against Manchester City last weekend at half time. There was a growing concern amongst Arsenal fans about the French defenders fitness, but Arsene Wenger has reassured fans by telling Arsenal Player on Thursday: “Koscielny had a knock on his Achilles but he should be available for Saturday,”
Wenger also gave an update on the other injury concerns, adding that Diaby was once again back:
“Diaby’s back in full training – that’s good news. He needs to play a few games but this week he looked good in training. Ospina is two or three weeks away. He has a thigh strain from the Brazil vs Colombia game.
“Ryo is very close after injury and Theo is, as I always said, end of August or start of September. That is back into training of course.”
Arsene Wenger also refused to name a return date for Serge Gnabry, whose fitness remains a worry.
Koscielny’s presence will be a huge boost for Arsenal, as Nacho Monreal and Calum Chambers were set to deputise in unnatural and untested positions. The Gunners are on the lookout for a new centre back after Thomas Vermaelen joined Barcelona for £15million last week. As of yet though, Arsene Wenger has been unable to bring in any more new players.
Koscielny will now likely partner Chambers at the heart of the Arsenal defence, with Debuchy and Gibbs completing the rest of the Arsenal defence. Not a bad looking defence really.