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Bernd Leno reveals why Laurent Koscielny is a special player
Arsenal’s defender Laurent Koscielny has spent many months on the sidelines but Bernd Leno has revealed why the Frenchman is a special player.
Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny got injured at the end of last season and he has been on the sidelines in the last few months to recover from his Achilles injury. The Frenchman has finally returned to full training and he has so far made two appearances for the Arsenal U21 and U23 teams.
The gunners will this Thursday face Qarabag at the Emirates Stadium as they look to finish their UEFA Europa League group stage matches and Laurent Koscielny is expected to feature in this game according to Unai Emery. The Arsenal boss has tried to be cautious with Koscielny because he doesn’t want his captain injured again when he has just returned from a dangerous and long-term injury.
Bernd Leno arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer and he was at first not used by Unai Emery at the beginning of the season but he has later taken Petr Cech’s position as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper. The German goalkeeper has confirmed what Unai Emery said about Laurent Koscielny giving an inspirational speech ahead of the North London Derby, he also spoke of how important the Arsenal captain is while in training.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: Bernd Leno of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on November 10, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“In training you see how he is talking to other players. We have many young players and he talks to them and for me he is a big personality in the team, in the dressing room.” Bernd Leno told Arsenal’s official website.
“He is a big personality and of course he has big quality. I think we should give him the time [to play]. The coach is calm with him because he was a long time injured.”
Bernd Leno also added that he hopes that Laurent Koscielny will be in the starting eleven that faces Qarabag this week. Laurent Koscielny is an experienced centre back and will probably also start the upcoming Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday because Unai Emery’s first choice defenders will miss this game.
