Laurent Koscielny Injured Achilles in 2-2 Draw vs. Manchester City

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny exited Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester City with an Achilles injury.

Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the news of his injury, as shared by the club's official Twitter account:

The France international is one of the most important players in Arsene Wenger's team, and his absence is likely to further damage what has been a disappointing campaign for the club. Either Gabriel Paulista or Per Mertesacker will replace him in the starting 11.

Koscielny has had a surprisingly injury-free season, with only minor niggles keeping him out of training since August. The 31-year-old has been able to forge a solid partnership with German centre-back Shkodran Mustafi in 2016-17, although these two have not done enough to ensure Arsenal maintain a serious title challenge.

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Wenger was last without Koscielny when the Frenchman withdrew during Arsenal's humiliating 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg on Feb. 15. His importance to the team was dramatically highlighted that day when, with Arsenal drawing 1-1 as he limped off, his side conceded three goals within 15 minutes of his withdrawal.

Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery, then, particularly since Arsenal still have plenty to fight for this campaign. Champions League qualification is a top priority for the club as Wenger chases his 17th successive year finishing in the Premier League's top four.

Koscielny is one of the most senior players at Arsenal—only 32-year-olds Per Mertesacker and Santi Cazorla are older—and therefore his experience could prove invaluable across the remaining fixtures. Arsenal always seem more level-headed with Koscielny in the side, so a spell on the sidelines could prove disastrous.