Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Arsenal's Francis Coquelin playing at centre-back after Mertesacker injury

Arsenal may have found a short-term solution for their centre-back crisis -- in Francis Coquelin.

The holding midfielder said he has been playing as a central defender in training this week as the Gunners cope without Per Mertesacker, Gabriel Paulista and Laurent Koscielny on their preseason trip to the United States.

On Arsenal's Snapchat channel, Coquelin was asked what he had been doing on Wednesday, and replied: "I've been playing centre-back." 

The Frenchman could have to deputise in the position as Calum Chambers and newly signed Rob Holding are the only two senior centre-backs on the trip.

Coquelin emerged as Arsenal's first-choice holding midfielder in 2015 but could face competition for that role from new midfield signing Granit Xhaka.

Mertesacker has been ruled out for several months with a knee injury, while Gabriel stayed home with tonsillitis and Koscielny is still on holiday after France's run to the Euro 2016 final.

Koscielny is unlikely to be ready for Arsenal's opening Premier League game against Liverpool on Aug. 14, leaving Arsene Wenger with a severe shortage of experienced central defenders.

Wenger has said he wants to bring in a replacement in the transfer window but has only signed the 20-year-old Holding, who has never played a Premier League game.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Valencia's German centre-back Shkodran Mustafi, who is reportedly available for around £20 million.

The Gunners have also brought 18-year-old Krystian Bielik on the trip to the U.S., and the teenager was praised by Wenger after playing in central defence during the second half of their opening preseason game at French club RC Lens.

Arsenal take on the MLS All-Stars in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday evening local time, when fans should get a first look at short -- and whether Wenger actually plans on giving Coquelin a try-out in defence.

^ Back to Top ^