Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny to miss Arsenal's trip to Tottenham
Thursday 3 March 2016 09:15, UK
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny will miss Arsenal’s trip to White Hart Lane on Saturday to face Tottenham in the North London derby.
Goalkeeper Cech picked up an injury during Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Wednesday while Koscielny is still recovering from a calf injury.
Cech went up to the Swansea penalty in the closing stages of the defeat and ended the game clutching his leg after sprinting back towards goal.
The news comes as a further blow to Gunners fans who have seen their team falter in the title race after successive losses to Manchester United and Swansea.
David Ospina will deputise in goals for Cech while Gabriel Paulista is likely to continue alongside Per Mertesacker at the heart of the Arsenal defence in Koscielny's absence.
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"Petr Cech struggled. He had a groin problem before the game, and he struggled on a little bit tonight," said Wenger. "He will not play on Saturday.
"It's a muscular problem, a calf problem. I don't know how long he will be out," added Wenger referring to Cech's injury.
Colombian Ospina has made just five appearances in all competitions this season for the Gunners.
"I trust completely Ospina, I have no problem with that.
"Koscielny has a calf problem as well. He will not play on Saturday as well.
Arsenal go into Saturday's game three points behind arch rivals Tottenham, who sit second in the table, while they trail Premier League leaders Leicester City by six points.
