Koscielny boost for Arsenal but Walcott & Wilshere out of Dortmund clash

Posted Wednesday, November 26, 2014 by Goal.com

The Frenchman is set to feature for the first time since last month's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but the English duo are missing with injuries

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that defender Laurent Koscielny is in the Arsenal squad for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund but Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott will both miss out.

The France international has been out of action since last month's defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with an Achilles problems but is nearing a return to fitness and training with the first-team squad on Tuesday.

Wilshere, meanwhile, cannot be included after picking up an ankle injury during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, while Walcott has a groin problem and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is also unavailable, having injured his hip in a collision with Kieran Gibbs.

"Koscielny is in the squad for tomorrow," he told reporters. "Welbeck is in the squad, Wilshere is out. Walcott is out, Szczesny is out too."

Dortmund know a draw will be enough to see them qualify from Group D as winners, while Arsenal must win to secure their own place and harbour any hope of overtaking them on the final matchday.