Laurent Koscielny Taken to Hospital After FA Cup Loss Because of Jaw Injury

Laurent Koscielny had to be withdrawn with what proved to be a broken jaw during the second half of Arsenal's 2019 FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United on Friday night.

Head coach Unai Emery confirmed the extent of the problem after the Gunners lost 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium and were eliminated from the cup:

Koscielny left the pitch after a clash with Romelu Lukaku, with Arsenal trailing 2-1 at the time to first-half goals from the Belgian centre-forward and former Gunner Alexis Sanchez. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit back for the hosts just before the break.

Koscielny going off four minutes after the hour mark, following a lengthy delay, meant Arsenal had lost both starting centre-backs to injury. An ankle problem forced Sokratis Papastathopoulos to leave the pitch in the first half:

While natural centre-back Shkodran Mustafi replaced Sokratis, Gunners head coach Unai Emery was forced to bring on midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in place of Koscielny.

The decision was a reflection of Emery's fast-dwindling pool of options at the back. Injuries are thinning the herd with centre-back Rob Holding and right-back Hector Bellerin both out for the remainder of the season.

Losing Koscielny may be the toughest blow of all, thanks to the 33-year-old's experience. He is the most assured defender in Emery's squad, and the Frenchman offered a reminder of his talents and value with a superb display during the recent 2-0 home win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, injuries have become increasingly common for the former FC Lorient man in recent years. He returned earlier this season following an absence of six months after rupturing his Achilles.

Koscielny has still been blighted by problems since then. He suffered a back injury before the FA Cup third-round match at Blackpool earlier in January.

Goal's Chris Wheatley reported the late change for the Gunners on Jan. 5, with Carl Jenkinson taking Koscielny's place for a game the Gunners went on to win 3-0.

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When fit, Koscielny has been an invaluable presence at the back for both club and country. He joined the Gunners in 2010 and became a mainstay for then-manager Arsene Wenger, helping the north London club win a trio of FA Cups.

Emery is now being forced into trying to find fit and able defenders during the remainder of the winter transfer window.