Laurent Koscielny is facing a race against the clock to get his face fit for the opening Champions League game of the season in Paris.

With a swollen cheekbone, after he took a boot to the face on Saturday from a Southampton player, Rob Holding could be drafted into the side to partner new boy, Shkodran Mustafi, in what would be a talented, but untested pairing in front of Petr Cech.

The match on Saturday, refereed by Bobby Madley, should have been stopped to allow Kos to receive treatment, especially given the location of the injury, but the hapless ref played on and then awarded Arsenal a penalty.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10:  Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal receives treatment from the Arsenal medical team during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal receives treatment from the Arsenal medical team during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Had he not been so incompetent, Arsenal wouldn’t have won the game. So, you know, swings and roundabouts.

Arsenal are not believed to have any further injury problems but we already know that Aaron Ramsey, although recovering well, will not be back for the game against PSG.