KOSCIELNY: I HOPE TO PLAY IN NOVEMBER

Laurent Koscielny says there is no pressure on him to rush back to action after rupturing his Achilles tendon earlier this month but he hopes to be playing again by November.

The Frenchman suffered the injury in the Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid and is expected to be sidelined for at least six months.

Despite being ruled out of the World Cup, the defender says he’s trying to keep the problem in context, accepting that he’s been very lucky on the fitness front in his career to date.

“I will begin my rehabilitation in June in Saint-Raphaël (France),” he told the French Football Federation website.

“These first months are crucial for the future. In three months, I hope to resume light jogging.

“In five months, I could certainly retouch the ball. Then, it will take one month of physical preparation with, without doubt, matches with the Arsenal under-23s.

“I hope to play again in November. It must proceed in stages and I’ll follow the protocol carefully. ‘Step by step,’ as they say in England.”

Obviously, the timing of the injury, just weeks from the start of the action in Russia, came as a serious blow to the Arsenal vice-captain. With time though, he’s come to accept that life goes on.

“When my [Achilles] tendon let go, I was obviously in a hole. I immediately thought of the World Cup in Russia.

“Now, I’m 32 years old, my career is more behind me than before. I do not have the pressure of having to come back as soon as possible, to prove myself as a 20-year-old after such an injury.

“This is my first big injury. That’s how it should be put into perspective. Yes, I miss a World Cup, with a good bunch of pals and great players, but there is worse in life. I am in good health, my family too.”

Koscielny was pictured at London Colney yesterday where he bumped into new boss Unai Emery. He appeared to be in one of the club’s new medical facilities at the training ground, already making progress after a difficult few weeks.

“After the operation, I stayed for a fortnight completely immobilized at home in London,” he revealed.

“The weather was long with a foot plaster. My home trips were limited. We run quickly in circles in this situation. My routine? Television, crosswords and Nintendo. All, with your leg up!