Koscielny returns to training for Arsenal after long spell on the sidelines

- Laurent Koscielny is back in training after an injury setback

- The France defender have been on the sidelines since May

- The 32-year-old missed out in the Russia 2018 World Cup

Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny has returned to training after recovering fully from an Achilles surgery.

The France international center-back was back at London Colney on Thursday morning to continue his rehabilitation.

The 32-year-old was substituted in Arsenal's Europa League semi-final second leg clash against Atletico Madrid and lost to the eventual winners.

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The former Lorient defender went down in pain and had to be taken away on a stretcher at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The centre-half is back at London Colney for rehab after missing France's World Cup-winning campaign,

Koscielny is still expected to face more time to bed back into the squad, with months of physiotherapy still ahead.

But after the Gunners consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, his leadership will be encouraging for the Gunners players especially in the backline.

Meanwhile Koscielny described his agony after missing the World Cup as France went on to win.

He said: "In truth, I didn't see many matches.

"I have been working on my rehabilitation from 9am to 1pm and then from 4pm to 7pm.

"I saw the last half-hour of France vs Peru and a few other games.

"When they were crowned world champions, I felt nothing special, but I was really happy for the players, the staff."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny will be out of action for his club and country for at least six months according to Mirror.

The France international ruptured his Achilles tendon earlier this month in the Gunners 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Spain in the second leg of their Europa League semifinal clash.

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