Francis Coquelin set to miss Capital One Cup clash against Spurs

Francis Coquelin suffered a knee injury against Chelsea on Saturday

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Capital One Cup tie at White Hart Lane tomorrow night, according to Mirror. Coquelin has suffered a knee injury in the London derby at Chelsea, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has remained confident his midfielder will make a quick return to the squad.

On Saturday, Arsenal battled against Chelsea with ten men in the second half of the game and the Frenchman was forced out of the team during the half time break. The 24-year-old landed awkwardly and received treatment on his knee after jumping for a header with Chelsea’ s Nemanja Matic. Arsenal manager has confirmed that it is a short term problem and is set to miss another London derby game against high-flying Tottenham on Wednesday.

The French midfielder has been a revelation ever since he was called back to the Gunners squad from his short loan spell with Charlton Athletic. His injury could benefit the youngsters including Alex Iwobi and Glen Kamara who will become the next 200th player to make his debut under Arsene Wenger if they’re given a chance.

On the other hand, Arsenal will be delighted to welcome back their tall former German International defender Per Mertesacker back in the team who has been declared fit to play again.

“Francis Coquelin will be out and we have no major problem for anybody else.” Wenger said in an interview.

“His knee is swollen and he is being assessed, but we hope it is just a short-term problem. Alex Iwobi, and maybe Glen Kamara. I want to keep the squad together. We go game by game so I will make changes, for sure.

"How many? I’ve not decided yet. It will be quite an experienced squad with one or two younger players.

“They are in and out a little bit because we travel a lot. They are doing well. Alex Iwobi is an offensive player and Glen Kamara is more a defensive player. I don’t know yet if he will be involved tomorrow but we will see.”

Wenger happy to give youngsters a chance

Arsene Wenger is well known for giving his youngsters from the academy a run out in domestic cup competitions, especially in the Capital One Cup. Glen Kamara’s debut is set to be marked the 200th player to make his debut under Le Professeur.

“It is exciting because it’s always something special for the player.”

“I believe that is part of our job, to help people achieve their goals and to give them a chance in what their dream is about. That is always very exciting. For the club as well, it’s a very exciting period.”