Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin will be out of action for three weeks, having picked up a hamstring injury in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth.
Francis Coquelin ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury, confirms Wenger.
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) September 13, 2017
It means the 26-year-old could be out of action for the rest of September and early October as things stand. It’s a blow for Arsenal given their lack of depth in the midfield, and could now mean the likes of Mohamed Elneny will feature more heavily in his stead, I believe.
Coquelin lost his place to Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey in the starting lineup, but I think he remained a useful squad player when called upon. His combative attributes set him apart from Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla, but now the Gunners will have to cope in his absence.
Arsenal are expected to make a number of changes to the starting lineup ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with FC Koln, with Ramsey and Mesut Ozil reportedly being rested for the meeting.
The Gunners have an eye on their Premier League campaign on Sunday, with Chelsea next up, so it seems to me that Wenger wants to keep his best players fresh.
In my opinion, Arsenal should have no problems beating FC Koln on Thursday, even if they do rest a number of their first-team players, nor should Francis Coquelin’s injury hurt the side too much in the coming weeks.