Koscielny set for PSG despite injury concern!
As Arsenal look to kick off their Champions League campaign by picking up some points away to Paris Saint Germain in the first match of the group phase, there were some concerns about Arsenal’s star centre back.
After Arsenal’s dramatic victory over Southampton, a 2-1 win with Olivier Giroud winning a penalty for the Gunners in the final moments of the match, Arsenal fans could be pleased that we were set for the three points, but concerned that Koscielny went down in the movement before the goal. Koscielny was seen to pick up a facial injury when the ball was swung into the box for the Gunners, only for it to be cleared by the Southampton back line. The ball was then picked up by the Arsenal players and despite usually kicking it out for fair play, so that Koscielny could be treated, instead the ball was put back into the box where Giroud was subsequently pulled down.
It usually is regulation that play is stopped if a facial injury is suspected by the referee, however given Koscielny’s uncertainty on the basis of his injury, as well as the dramatic final moments of the match, I can see why both the referee and the players may have missed Koscielny down on the ground.
The injury proved to be a only a knock and but he was eventually rumoured to be a potential injury doubt for the trip to PSG. However in a big sigh of relief, it has been revealed that despite the initial concerns, Koscielny did make the squad and was seen boarding the plane back to his homeland France.
The importance of having Koscielny fit to play against PSG cannot be stressed enough. The French international has not only become one of the strongest members of the Arsenal squad, but one of the best defenders in his position worldwide. Even without Zlatlan Ibrahimovic, PSG’s front line will still be a tough test and if Arsenal want the defence to be tight, Koscielny’s presence is the utmost importance. Koscielny is set to be partnered alongside new signing Shkodran Mustafi, who does of course has experience in the European competition with Valencia and so despite their newly formed partnership still being young, I have ultimate confidence that our defence is a lot stronger as a result of the pair’s presence.
By AH