Laurent Koscielny’s chronic ankle tendinitis means he’s likely to spend another month on the sidelines.

The French international hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the defeat at Chelsea on 5 October and Arsene Wenger says he’s not expecting to see the centre-back back in action until late November.

The Gunners face Sunderland, Burnley, Anderlecht and Swansea City in that time before taking on Manchester United on 22 November after the international break.

Speaking at his weekly press conference ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light, the boss revealed:

“I cannot give you any date because we go day by day with him. He may be available after the next international break.”

Given the nature of the problem Arsenal aren’t considering surgery at this point – we’d probably amputate his arms by accident – but it’s clear this is going to be an ongoing problem that could well have long-term implications for the Mertescielny ‘axis of awesome’.

Nacho Monreal has been selected to play in the centre of the defence for the last two games and it’s pretty obvious he’s not comfortable there. Calum Chambers is the other viable option, except that means playing Hector Bellerin at right-back. Two teenagers in an already shaky backline is a obviously a risk.

We’re in a pickle. A pickle that was oh so predictable…