Arsenal manager Unai Emery said that Laurent Koscielny may or may not feature against Southampton on Sunday. Koscielny played his first match for Arsenal since May in last night’s Europa League fixture against Qarabag. He wore the captain’s armband and played 72 minutes before being replaced by Nacho Monreal.
Arsenal eventually won the match 1-0 thanks to a 16th minute goal from Alexandre Lacazette. The Gunners finished their group stage by winning their group, garnering 16 points (5 wins and a draw) from 6 matches.
Following the match, Emery made it clear that he is in no hurry to make Koscielny a starter just after his return from a long-term injury. The Spaniard said, “Today is another step for [Koscielny]. We need to [find out] tomorrow and Saturday how he is going to feel after this match to see if he can help us on the pitch on Sunday. It is good he has recovered and in a good time. Every supporter and player from Arsenal is happy. He can take confidence again, take rhythm and then we are going to continue our process. Maybe [he can play] Sunday, but I want to wait to see how he will feel.”
Arsenal already have a number of worries in the defensive department as Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Shkodran Mustafi won’t feature due to suspension. Additionally, Rob Holding is injured. Hence, Emery may have to at least bring on Emery at point during the match.
