Arsenal boss reveals possible Laurent Koscielny return date

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has revealed that Laurent Koscielny could receive some gametime with the Under-23s in the attempt to prepare himself or the festive schedule ahead.

The France international has not featured for the Gunners since picking up a serious Achilles injury in May but he has recently returned to training alongside his fellow teammates.

Speaking in a press conference, Emery confirmed that Koscielny has been training with the first-team players since the international break started, although he is not ready to make the matchday squad.

However, the Spanish tactician suggested that the defender could feature for the reserve side on Monday night in an attempt to build up his match fitness after an extended spell out.

"First, our idea is to start with the Under-23s. He is well, with good performances, good feeling and I think he is close to also playing with us. But the first idea is, and maybe on Monday, he can play with the Under-23s," he is quoted by Arsenal.com.

Arsenal's defence has not witnessed much improvement from the previous season as they have regularly leaked goals but they have still managed to pick up regular points and they are currently just outside the top-four places.

Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding have been the regulars in the central defence in the past six matches and they should retain their positions for the upcoming league outing at Bournemouth.