Despite a stuttering start to the new season under the tutelage of Unai Emery, Arsenal collected two wins before the international break. On Saturday, the Gunners are due to make a trip to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United and they would be keen to keep the momentum going.
Prior to their clash against the Magpies, Arsenal have received a major boost going forward this season as their central defender Laurent Koscielny has returned back to training. The 33-year-old trained at the club’s London Colney training ground for the first time since May.
The Frenchman had injured his Achilles tendon while skippering his side against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Europa League. Owing to his damage, he was left out of Didier Deschamps’ France international side for the World Cup in Russia and he missed out on the gold medal.
However, it is unclear when he would be available for selection. On being questioned about Koscielny’s return in the starting line-up, Emery said: “It’s difficult to know [when he could be ready to play again]. You look at this morning, he’s running, he’s working on the pitch. The progress is very good progress. He’s working very hard.”