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Arsenal boss offers Koscielny update ahead of Liverpool clash

By on August 8, 2016
Laurent-Koscielny arsenal

Image credit: Express

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Laurent Koscielny is back in training but might just be short of fitness for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Liverpool.

Koscielny returned to north London over the weekend after being given an extended break following his exploits for France at this summers European Championships.

The defender impressed for the hosts as they marched to the final of Euro 2016 before cruelly losing to Portugal 1-0 in the final in Paris last month.

Speaking after last night’s 3-2 friendly win over Manchester City, Wenger confirmed that Koscielny resumed training today [Monday] but feels the 30-year-old might not have enough time to get himself fit to face Liverpool.

Wenger told Arsenal.com:

Laurent Koscielny is back in training [on Monday] but he might be short for next week.

Jurgen Klopp’s men arrive at the Emirates this coming Sunday for our opening game of the new 2016/17 campaign which gives Kos just 6 days to get back up to speed.

The defender hasn’t played a single minute of pre-season football so I think it would be a huge risk to throw him in against Liverpool this weekend.

However, the boss may feel he has little option after Gabriel suffered what looked like a serious injury last night and the Brazilian is now certain to miss the Liverpool game along with Per Mertesacker.

If Koscielny is also ruled out, that’s all three of our first senior centre-backs unavailable meaning Wenger may be forced to play youngsters Rob Holding and Calum Chambers or possibly move Nacho Monreal in to the middle of defence.

It’s a nightmare situation so let’s hope we now intensify our efforts to bring in a new central defender this week.