5 crucial Arsenal matches Coquelin is set to miss

Arsene Wenger confirmed today that Francis Coquelin will be sidelined for a least two months following a ligament injury sustained during Saturday’s loss to West Brom.

Coquelin is set for further scans today that will reveal the full extent of his injury but Arsenal do not expect to see him return until towards the end of the January transfer window at the earliest.

Being one of the crucial players in the squad, and a stand-out star for the calendar year, Arsenal have been handed a huge blow by the news and it’s a disappointment heading into a busy run of crucial fixtures.

We sincerely hope Francis Coquelin returns to action swiftly and that the scan does not reveal an extended absence for the Frenchman.

From what we know so far, here’s five crucial matches that Francis Coquelin is set to miss- with the first game of his injury absence set for tomorrow, as Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Hit Coquelin below to see FIVE crucial matches he will miss through injury!

Olympiakos (A), 9th December

The first crucial game Arsenal will face without Francis Coquelin is against Olympiakos in the last group match of the Champions League, where the Gunners need a victory by two-goals or more to seal their spot in the knock-out stages of the competition.

Olympiakos caused immense problems when they defeated Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season and with Arsenal needing goals, the defence could be left exposed by the absence of our defensive-midfielder.

However, if Arsenal fail to win against Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow or Olympiakos avoid defeat against Bayern Munich, then this game will lose it’s importance.

Manchester City (H), 21st December

Arguably the most crucial game of Arsenal’s Premier League title race takes place four days before Christmas, where the Gunners host Manchester City in a mouthwatering clash that may decide who leads the way heading into the festivities.

Currently level on points, with both sides failing to win their past two games, both Arsenal and Manchester City need to find form again quickly. With just three Premier League clashes between now and this game, the result could have a huge impact on the form and confidence of the sides.

With games coming thick and fast heading into the New Year, a victory would be a huge confidence booster.

Liverpool (A), 13th January

After the clash with Manchester City, Arsenal have a run of games that they would be expected to win. The FA Cup also returns the weekend before, where the Gunners will seek to defend their own once again, before Arsenal travel to Anfield.

Anfield is notoriously difficult to get a result at and Liverpool have enjoyed a mini-revival under Jurgen Klopp. His pressing style of play caught Manchester City out at the weekend and, without Francis Coquelin, Arsenal’s midfield will be easier to exploit.

The clash with Liverpool is the first of three crucial and difficult Premier League games for Arsenal, which could make or break the title chase.

Stoke City (A), 17th January

On paper you may feel that Stoke City are an easy opponent but anyone that knows football will tell you otherwise- especially when you have to travel to Staffordshire and face them at the Britannia Stadium, where the loud home support is clear to see.

Stoke have added some clash players this season and this has been dubbed a mini-derby, following Aaron Ramsey’s injury a couple of years back. For Arsenal fans it’s another game but for Potters supporters it’s a big one, which increases the difficulty of the tie.

Coquelin’s no-nonsense attitude in midfield will be missed here.

Chelsea (H), 24th January

Just over two months away Arsenal host Chelsea and hopefully Francis Coquelin will be nearing a recovery. However, it’s unlikely he would be able to return for this crucial London derby- a massive blow for the Gunners.

Arsenal have revenge on their minds after defeat at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, a match shrouded in controversy, and unfortunately it’s unlikely the Gunners will be able to capitalise on the Blues’ struggles- as you’d expect a solution to have been reached by this stage.

The final of three crucial Premier League matches, Arsenal will have a much better understanding of where their ambitions lie after these games and they will undoubtably be a lot harder without Coquelin.