Another blow for Arsenal as Koscielny is ruled out with ankle injury

Arsenal play Urawa Reds in the Saitama City Cup on Friday but are likely to be without Laurent Koscielny, who is nursing an ankle problem. The French international also missed out on the 3-1 win against Nagoya Grampus.

“Koscielny is a big doubt,” Arsène Wenger said. “Oxlade-Chamberlain should be alright, Szczesny should be alright as well. I say 80 per cent Chamberlain and Szczesny and maybe 30 per cent for Koscielny. It’s a minor ankle problem.”

Other reports on Sky Sports suggested that both Thomas Vermaelen and Nacho Monreal have also picked up injuries and will be missing out the start of the season.

If Koscielny also gets injured for a long period, it will be a huge blow for the Gunners and would require reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.