Laurent Koscielny could return to face Qarabag (Picture: Getty)
Unai Emery is confident that Laurent Koscielny will be available for Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Qarabag.
Koscielny has not featured for the first-team since he ruptured his Achilles tendon back in May but the 33-year-old central defender, Arsenal’s captain, is closing in on his return.
The Frenchman played for Arsenal’s Under-23 side against Derby last month and completed 85 minutes for the U21s in their 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth on Tuesday evening.
There were concerns as Koscielny hobbled off the pitch at Fratton Park but U21 coach Freddie Ljungberg confirmed the centre-back was merely struggling with cramp.
More: UKPensioner 'scared to death' by burglars named by policeOne in seven trains arrive at least five minutes lateLego Playgrounds brings toys to life in new AR app for iOS Koscielny has taken part in regular training sessions with Arsenal’s first-team and Emery is hoping to play the France international against Qarabag next week.
‘We?re on the right way with him, he played two matches with the U23s and our plan is maybe can play against Qarabag,’ Emery said.
Koscielny was forced off with cramp for the U21s (Picture: Getty)
‘He is working with us in the training and playing with the U23s and I think the next step is then to be with us.
Asked what Koscielny will bring to the side, Emery replied: ‘Experience, quality, personality.’
Kosc...