Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed on Saturday that midfielder Francis Coquelin left the Emirates in a brace after injuring his knee against Chelsea.
The 25-year-old sustained the knock in a full-blooded 50/50 clash during the win over Antonio Conte’s side, as he was forced into being replaced after 32 minutes.
It was the only blemish on an excellent evening for the Gunners, but Wenger has now painted a very worrying picture of the Frenchman’s situation as he has suffered the injury in the same knee that he injured last year which kept him out for 10 weeks.
“He has a knee injury at the same place he had last year at West Brom,” Wenger said. “That’s the negative of the day.
“We don’t know if the damage is as big at the moment, we have to wait for 48 hours. But he left the stadium in a brace and I’m a bit worried for that.”
In turn, The Express have a run a report suggesting that Coquelin could be facing a similarly lengthy spell on the sidelines this time round given the similar nature of the injury, and if true, that would be a major blow for Arsenal who are now starting to put together some great results.
The combative midfielder has been pivotal in that run, and so any spell out of action will be a significant setback for the team with Aaron Ramsey also still currently sidelined.
Coquelin’s absence will likely see Granit Xhaka partner Santi Cazorla, as seen again on Saturday against Chelsea, and so perhaps the blow will be softened and Wenger’s side can sustain their current momentum.
Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, have scored 11 goals in their last three outings and are now up to third place in the Premier League table, five points adrift of leaders Manchester City.