Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Laurent Koscielny fit enough to play in north London derby
Defender was a doubt after missing Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is expected to return to the side to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, despite a hamstring pull he felt before Wednesday’s 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Koscielny felt the twinge at the team hotel so manager Arsène Wenger decided not to risk him against the Germans. But with the international break ahead next week to create recovery time, it is thought that the 30-year-old, whose form has been instrumental to Arsenal tailing the Premier League leaders Manchester City only on goal difference, will start the north London derby.
Hector Bellerin, who also missed the defeat in Germany with “a small groin problem”, will sit out the visit of Spurs as the Gunners’ injury problems show no sign of abating.
Tomas Rosicky is unlikely to be back from his knee injury until January. He saw his specialist in Munich and was given the all-clear to start running again next week. But the prognosis is a further six to eight weeks’ lay-off following a cartilage operation at the start of August.
England wingers Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are out until after the international break. Both were injured during last week’s League Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, while Aaron Ramsey is out for a month after suffering a hamstring strain in last month’s home match with Bayern.
Jack Wilshere has yet to feature this season after suffering a calf injury during pre-season training and is not likely to return till next month, while Danny Welbeck (knee) last made an appearance for the club in April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments