Unai Emery names his Arsenal captain for the season

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has named Laurent Koscielny as the permanent captain for the 2018/19 campaign. The France international is currently recuperating from a long-term Achilles problem but Emery has nevertheless handed him the captain's armband.

Speaking ahead of the Manchester City game, Emery confirmed that Koscielny will take over the leadership duties on a permanent basis for the season following the retirement of Per Mertesakcer.

He added to name four other players including Mesut Ozil, who could take up the captaincy in the absence of the France international, he said: "The captain of this group is Laurent Koscielny, who is injured at the moment. After Laurent, our other captains are Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka."

Koscielny is presently recovering from a surgery on a major Achilles injury sustained in May and based on reports, he may only return to competitive action in December.

Arsenal begin their league campaign with a home fixture against Manchester City on Sunday. Thereafter, they are scheduled to face Chelsea on the road in a week's time.