Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the results of midfielder Francis Coquelin’s scan were positive, and that he should be back in three weeks time.
Fears grew over the weekend about the 25-year-old, after he suffered a setback to the same knee that he injured last season during the 3-0 win over Chelsea on Saturday.
From images of him in hospital wearing a knee brace to speculation over the time he would be sidelined for, Arsenal supporters feared the worst about the injury.
However, as confirmed by the Evening Standard’s James Olley on Twitter, Wenger told the media on Tuesday that Coquelin’s scan “was good” and that he “should be three weeks out”.
At Colney. Wenger: “Coquelin is out for tomorrow but the scan was good – he should be three weeks out.”
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) September 27, 2016
That in turn means the combative midfielder will be sidelined until the international break and perhaps after, but not for as long as many speculated given that his knee injury last season kept him out of action for two months.
While Arsenal do have cover with Granit Xhaka likely to be paired with Santi Cazorla in midfield during Coquelin’s spell out, it will be a huge boost for Wenger to have him back available for selection as soon as possible.
The Frenchman’s influence in the Arsenal midfield has been evident for some time, and with Aaron Ramsey also sidelined through injury, it will only strengthen the Gunners’ push for silverware this year to have them both fit along with the rest of the squad.