Laurent Koscielny Injury Update: Arsenal Star Available to Play vs. PSG

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is fit for the team's UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday despite a facial injury he picked up against Southampton on Saturday.

"Koscielny is alright," manager Arsene Wenger told reporters on Monday. "He had a big knock on his face. I was concerned he wouldn't be available, but it is alright."

Wenger's comments followed news that the centre-back might miss the clash, per John Cross of the Mirror, who stated the defender's eye was "badly swollen" after a clash with Saints man Jose Fonte.

"He will be a little bit of a concern," Wenger said at the time, per Cross. "The eye is already very swollen, and it is closed up."

According to Mattias Karen of ESPN FC, despite the problem, the defender has played an active part in training ahead of the game:

While Arsenal are often accused of having a soft underbelly, with Koscielny at the base of their setup, they always look a lot more assured.

The Frenchman is one of a select few players in the Gunners squad who relishes physical battles. The defender is superb against powerful forwards, using his intelligence, pace and strength to win the majority of his battles.

Additionally, the experienced centre-back adds positive traits in other areas. Koscielny is adept at bringing the ball out from the back, cool in his distribution and capable of chipping in with crucial goals.

Centre-back has been a problem position for the Gunners this season, with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista sidelined with injuries. The capture of Shkodran Mustafi boosted this area, while fellow summer signing Rob Holding has also done well when given a chance.

Koscielny is a leader at the back for this Arsenal team, and Wenger won't have to worry about the void his injury could have left.