5 replacements for Laurent Koscielny in the France national team
Laurent Koscielny lost his footing and pulled up in the 12th minute of the all-important away tie against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Frenchman looked like he was in a world of pain and had to be stretchered off, much to the dismay of the Emirates faithful.
It has now come to light that the nature of the injury is quite serious and what's even more disappointing is the fact that the 32-year-old will miss out on the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.
Koscielny seemed to have ruptured his Achilles and after the match, Arsene Wenger said,
"It doesn't look very good.
"You can always hope that the scan will say something different but the first signs aren't very good.
"It looks like it could be ruptured although I'm a bit cautious, no one can say that clinically at the moment."
If the scan reveals that he has ruptured his Achilles, chances of him playing in the World Cup, in his own gaffer's words, is 'non-existent'.
On that note, let's take a look at 5 centre-backs who could deputise for the veteran in Russia.
#5 Benjamin Stambouli
Having previously been a midfielder, Benjamin Stambouli filling in at the back has helped Schalke considerably this season. His ball playing abilities have helped them play out from the back and he has started at centre-back 20 times for the German club this season.
His performances at centre-back have been considerably better than his showings at the centre of the park. Stambouli is solid with the ball at his feet and having spent the majority of his career as a central midfielder, he has attributes that other centre-backs will be envious of.
Stambouli likes to dribble and is also never shy of testing the keeper from range. Defensively, he is a good tackler of the ball and his experience coupled with the ability to read the game well makes him a quality replacement for Laurent Koscielny in the France football team.
Having Stambouli in the team will afford France the option of an extra midfielder and we know that every team loves having depth in their squad.