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Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Francis Coquelin is set for a lengthy injury absence following a problem sustained during Saturday’s defeat to West Brom.
Coquelin was forced off in the first-half of the 2-1 defeat and was replaced by Mikel Arteta, also later forced off with an issue, and the Arsenal boss confirmed Coquelin will not return until January in his pre-match press conference.
The news is a major blow to Arsenal, as Coquelin has proved to be a vital asset in the first-team this season after the meteoric rise he enjoyed earlier this year.
Coquelin’s absence may disrupt the first-team set-up entirely, with his fantastic midfield partnership with Santi Cazorla being dismantled and Arsenal’s defence now without the superb cover that Coquelin provides.
The French midfielder has been Arsenal’s unsung hero this season with fantastic performances, proving to be the link between defence and attack whilst ensuring that Arsenal dominate the midfield whenever he plays.
Arsenal’s first game without Coquelin will be the crucial Champions League game tomorrow against Dinamo Zagreb, where Arteta is also absent, but Aaron Ramsey has returned to the squad.
