Is Francis Coquelin Arsenal’s new centre-half?

Matt Stead

Francis Coquelin has revealed that he has been playing at centre-half in Arsenal training during the club’s current injury crisis.

The Gunners face a dilemma this summer after Per Mertesacker was confirmed to be out for “some months” by manager Arsene Wenger on Wednesday.

The German suffered a knee injury in pre-season, and his absence, combined with that of the rested Laurent Koscielny and the ill Gabriel, leaves the club short of options at the back.

Calum Chambers is their senior recognised central defender, with Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal the current alternatives. Their Premier League season begins in little over a fortnight.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official Snapchat account on Wednesday, midfielder Coquelin confirmed that he has been training in defence.

Do you know what he means? Can you decipher his message?

The Frenchman made more tackles per game than any other Arsenal player with more than five league appearances last season (2.8). Only Laurent Koscielny (3.9) made more interceptions than his compatriot (2.8). He didn’t make many clearances, mind – 0.8 per game.

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