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Arsenal boss confirms injury blow + 25-year-old could start against Cologne

By on September 13, 2017

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Arsene Wenger has been speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon and he offered reporters a team news update ahead of our Europa League clash with Cologne.

The boss confirmed that Francis Coquelin will miss our Group H opener against the German’s after suffering a hamstring injury during our 3-0 win over Bournemouth at the weekend.

Coquelin came on as a second half substitute for Aaron Ramsey but was forced off with ten minutes remaining after going down clutching the back of his leg.

Wenger said after the game he feared the Frenchman had done his hamstring and the boss has now confirmed Coquelin will be out for around three weeks.

His absence opens the door for Jack Wilshere to make his return to the first team fold and the 25-year-old has been tipped to make his first appearance for Arsenal in over a year tomorrow night.

Wenger was asked about Jack today and he says the midfielders fitness is getting better and hinted the Cologne game is a good opportunity for him to secure some first team football.

The boss also confirmed that Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey will be rested tomorrow night ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

jack wilshere arsenal 2015

He didn’t want to give too much away about his team selection but with Petr Cech, Alexandre Lacazette, Danny Welbeck, Laurent Koscielny and Granit Xhaka joining Ramsey and Ozil in missing training today, it’s safe to say we’re going to field a weakened side against Cologne.

Wenger is quoted as saying by Football London:

On the team news

On the injury front, we have no big problems. There are a few players who have some response to the fact they played two international games – like Ozil and Ramsey. They are rested completely

But overall the injury situation is not to bad. Coquelin is out for three weeks.

On Jack Wilshere

First of all, he has to continue to work with the spirit that he works and focuses. I believe there was always a huge pressure on him to come back as quick as possible.

If he can keep calm and focus on his job then he is on a good way. In training he is getting stronger and stronger every day, that’s what we want from him.

He was injured so was a bit behind the other players, but now he is getting better and better. Every game is an opportunity for him and this season is a good opportunity for him.

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