Laurent Koscielny Injury: Updates on Arsenal Star's Calf, Likely Return Date

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny faces an anxious wait after sitting out of France's training session in the lead up to Les Bleus' game with Finland on Oct. 15, as reported by France's Football Federation.

Alongside Koscielny, Real Madrid teenage Raphael Varane also missed practice, as tweeted by FOX Sports:

"

France defenders Raphael Varane (knee) and Laurent Koscielny (calf) both sit out training ahead of @Socceroos game #football

— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) October 10, 2013"

Didier Deschamps subsequently has major defensive problems heading into his team's vital encounter against Mixu Paatelainen's side. France's head coach has already called upon Saint Etienne defender Kurt Zouma to provide cover, per Sky Sports, but will be wary of utilising the 18-year-old who is uncapped at senior level.

Koscielny's welfare will be of more pressing concern to Gunners fans. The important defender has developed an excellent partnership with Per Mertesacker since the tail end of last season and has played a major role in helping Arsene Wenger's men reach the Premier League summit.

As reported by David Kent of the Daily Mail, Koscielny was recently forced to prematurely exit Arsenal's Champions League play-off second leg victory over Fenerbahce with a deep cut to his head.

Although the Emirates club were able to easily overcome their opponents that night, the 28-year-old's return is of utmost importance if the Gunners are to extend their run of 11 games without defeat.

Despite his red card during the opening day Premier League loss to Aston Villa, Koscielny's form highlights a player who has settled across the last six months.

If he is to spend a significant amount of time on the recovery table, Wenger will be forced to recall Thomas Vermaelen, whose playing time has significantly reduced since Koscielny and Mertesacker's relationship began to blossom.