REVEALED: Koscielny’s role in Arsenal’s unbeaten run ahead of return

Laurent Koscielny will make his Arsenal comeback on Thursday  when Arsenal face Qarabag in the final Europa League group qualifier. It has been seven months since Koscielny ruptured his achilles tendon which crushed his dreams of World Cup glory with France as well as ruled him out from Arsenal numerous matches. Ahead of Koscielny’s return Arsenal goalkeeper Bern Leno has stated that he is very happy with the captain’s return. “Laurent is our captain. He is a big personality and of course he has big quality. “I am happy for him that maybe he will start on Thursday and of course he will be an option for the main starting XI in the next weeks. “In training you see how he is talking to the other players and for me he is a big personality in the team and in the dressing room. “Before the Tottenham game, he was not in the squad but five minutes before the game he said many, many good things about the history of the game, how important it is for the fans, the club, every player, so he is the perfect captain for us. “The coach is calm with him because he was a long time injured. Of course he trained a long time for us but games are more difficult because the games are different in your head. “I think he will play because he needs the confidence and his body also needs to regain its feeling for the game.” Koscielny's return is timely after a new wave of injury and suspension problems in central defence following Saturday's feisty 1-0 win against Huddersfield but the France international has encouraged his teammates in his speech. “It was a special game, a special day and a special win. “You don't play a derby – you win it. We showed how strong we are mentally. You don't come to our home and tell us what to do. The Emirates is our home and we rule there."

Mesut Ozil joined young fan in the stands to watch Arsenal’s win over Huddersfield (Video)