Francis Coquelin Injury: Updates on Arsenal Midfielder's Knee and Return

Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin suffered a knee injury against West Bromwich Albion on Nov. 21 and will not play again in 2015. However, he will avoid surgery.

Continue for updates.

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Wenger Reveals Coquelin Recovery Timeline

Tuesday, Nov. 24

Manger Arsene Wenger confirmed Coquelin will remain sidelined for 12 weeks, but doesn't need an operation, per Phil McNulty of BBC Sport.

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Injury Disrupts Coquelin's Progression

Coquelin has established himself as the Gunners' top option in the holding midfield role, using his raw physical skills to shield the defence and win plenty of battles in the centre of the pitch. While he may not be the most refined footballer in the world, his contributions to the Arsenal squad cannot be overstated.

The Frenchman missed a handful of matches earlier this season, and the Gunners' lack of depth immediately became clear. Mathieu Flamini, however, surprised everyone with an excellent showing against Tottenham in the Capital One Cup, and he'll likely play a larger part while Coquelin is sidelined.

How Wenger copes in Coquelin's absence may well define Arsenal's season. The Arsenal boss failed to add fresh cover for the 24-year-old in the summer, a decision he may come to regret should the London club find themselves out of title contention by the time Coquelin returns.