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Arsenal Handed Injury Boost Ahead Of Season Opener
It looks like we can breath easy Gooners as the Daily Mail are reporting that Laurent Koscielny is back in training and should be fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Frenchman was considered a major doubt for the season opener at the Emirates after aggravating a long-standing Achilles injury during last weekends Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Koscielny was forced off at half-time and has missed training this week in order to rest and receive treatment on the troublesome injury. However, the Daily Mail are now reporting that he’s back in training today and in with a chance of being fit to face Palace this weekend.
Obviously this would be a major boost as without Kos, Arsene Wenger has problems at the back. Per Mertesacker has only just returned to training following his World Cup exploits while Thomas Vermaelen has been sold to Barcelona, so we have very few options in the middle of defence.
Calum Chambers is almost certain to start and has looked excellent in pre-season, but if Mertesacker and Koscielny aren’t available we may have to play Nacho Monreal alongside the youngster this weekend.
This would hardly be the ideal way to start the new season, especially with a crucial Champions League play-off clash against Besiktas on the horizon, so fingers crossed Koscielny comes through training okay over the next two days.
Igbo Amadi-Obi
August 14, 2014 at 4:47 pm
I would hope that our medical team is giving the best advice. A troublesome Achilles is a potential season-long injury. I would let it heal completely even if it means losing Kols for the first month of the season. Otherwise, I see him not being available for as much as the first half of the season or worse.
JJ
August 15, 2014 at 4:48 am
From far-flung Canada, I agree with your comment, it makes great sense. Better rest him and assure his fitness for more crucial games down the road.