MX23RW : Monday, April 29 13:47:59| >> :60:3259:3259:

Arsenal play down fears over Laurent Koscielny's return

The 33-year-old defender has been out of action since May after suffering an Achilles problem.

Arsenal have played down fears over Laurent Koscielny's return to action after he limped out of the Checkatrade Trophy clash at Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

The 33-year-old defender had been sidelined since May after suffering an Achilles problem which needed surgery and would see him miss France's World Cup triumph in Russia.

Koscielny is continuing his rehabilitation and featured for the Under-21s against Pompey – but pulled up during the closing stages before being replaced.

Arsenal coach Freddie Ljungberg said after the 2-1 defeat that Koscielny's issue was down to cramp, rather than anything related to his Achilles injury.

On Wednesday, the club confirmed Koscielny had "come through the game without complications" and would be assessed ahead of Saturday's home Premier League game against Huddersfield.

"Laurent Koscielny continued his rehabilitation on Tuesday with an appearance for our Under-21s in a Checkatrade Trophy game at Portsmouth," the Arsenal statement read.

"We lost 2-1, but Laurent completed 85 minutes and has come through the game without complications.

"Laurent, who played 45 minutes for our Under-23s at Derby last week, will not be involved against Manchester United tonight.

"He will be assessed ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Huddersfield Town at Emirates Stadium."

Koscielny has yet to feature for new Arsenal head coach Unai Emery, who will be looking to see his side extend their 19-match unbeaten run when they play at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '1b2ad0ab-905a-448a-8f23-ca5aa3d03567');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:club-news,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Arsenal play down fears over Laurent Koscielny\u2019s return'});

ID:343435: cacheID:343435:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4631:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Pep Guardiola gives orders during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Watford on December 4, 2018
Read Next:
How current Manchester City side compare with Arsenal's 'Invincibles'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!