Thursday 9 October 2014 15:48, UK
Defender Laurent Koscielny has added to Arsenal’s injury concerns after he was released from the France squad.
The French Football Federation said Koscielny was suffering from tendinitis in both heels and was returning to Arsenal following discussions between France coach Didier Deschamps, the player and the team's doctor.
Roma defender Mapu Yanga Mbiwa, who has three international caps, will replace Koscielny in the France squad for the friendly internationals against Portugal on Saturday and Armenia next Tuesday
The Koscielny news is another concern for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, although the Gunners are reportedly confident he will be fit for the Premier League clash at home to Hull City a week on Saturday.
Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil was ruled out for up to 12 weeks on Wednesday due to a knee injury he sustained in Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea, adding to Arsenal's lengthy injury list.
Ozil joins fellow first-team players Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud as long-term absentees, while midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are also currently on the sidelines.
Ramsey will be out of action for another three to four weeks with a hamstring complaint, although Arteta could return after the international break following a calf problem.
