Wenger rules Coquelin out with ‘short-term’ injury

Matthew Stead
Francis Coquelin: Arsenal midfielder could return against Olympiakos

Francis Coquelin: Arsenal midfielder could return against Olympiakos

Arsene Wenger has ruled Francis Coquelin out with a “short-term problem” after the midfielder suffered a knee injury against Chelsea.

Coquelin was substituted at half-time in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Wenger admitting after the game that did ‘did not know’ how long the Arsenal midfielder would be sidelined for.

Wenger has subsequently ruled Coquelin out of the Capital One Cup third round clash against Tottenham on Wednesday, with the manager stating that the 24-year-old was suffering from a “short-term problem”.

“Francis Coquelin will be out and we have no major problems for anybody else. It should be a similar squad,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

“His knee is swollen and he is being assessed but we hope it is just a short-term problem.”

Wenger did confirm that defender Per Mertesacker would be available for the north London derby cup tie, however.

“I want to keep the squad together,” he said.

“We go game by game so I will make changes, for sure. How many [youngsters will play]? I’ve not decided yet. It will be quite an experienced squad with one or two younger players.”