Laurent Koscielny was taken off at half time of Arsenal’s match against Manchester City, allegedly complaining of pain in his Achilles.

• Kos had made 3 interceptions, 1 clearance & 1 block before coming off
• He made 23 passes with a 82.6% pass accuracy

It was a worrying update given his history with this part of the body. Speaking to the press after the game, Arsene Wenger said, “I do not know how long he will be out for,” which is always reassuring to hear.

The Achilles’ is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body and it really doesn’t take well to being damaged.

Think of it as a thick rope, made of tiny fibres all uniformly connecting to allow the tendon to do what it needs to. When these [collagen] fibres become damaged the body springs to live, producing new ones to replace them.

But, rather like Alexis Sanchez running around a football pitch, they’re all over the place – more plate of spaghetti than bungee cord.

Sadly for most, it’s a case of ‘time heals’ but how much time is impossible to predict.

Koscielny’s first Achilles problem kept him out for 46 days and seven games back in the 14/15 season.