Laurent Koscielny’s 31st birthday was definitely one to remember – a fantastic bicycle kick helped us to prevail over Southampton at home, but he also suffered a facial injury too.

His performance was a memorable one alongside new centre-back additio,n Shkodran Mustafi, but Arsène Wenger confirmed during the post-match press conference that he has “a problem with his face.”

In regards to whether it’s serious or not, Wenger at the time said“He’s with the doctor now. I haven’t spoken to him yet, but it is very swollen.”

Whether he’ll be available for selection ahead of our trip to the Parc des Princes on Tuesday remains to be seen, and we won’t be sure until the swelling goes down.

With that being said, given it’s a facial injury and it could have a negative effect on his vision, it’s all the more important that he is patient and recovers properly before featuring again.

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)

If the swelling doesn’t go down as planned in time, we could well see a Champions League debut for Rob Holding alongside Mustafi against Unai Emery’s men in midweek.

Koscielny’s a key player in the side and his presence would be greatly missed in a fixture of such magnitude, not least as it’s the first group stage match of the campaign and it’s important to start as we mean to go on.