Having been taken off at half-time in today’s Community Shield win over Man City, Laurent Koscielny’s removal was due to an Achilles tendon problem, according to Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman is now a doubt for the opening day of the season which leaves the Arsenal manager very short of options.

Per Mertesacker is due back at the club tomorrow, but is unlikely to be considered due to his truncated pre-season, which leaves just youngster Calum Chambers.

Thomas Vermaelen has been sold to Barcelona and the Arsenal manager said after the game against Man City that the quality of Chambers performance made him believe he could be the number 3 central defender.

“He can challenge both centre backs and that’s what you want. You cannot play with two centre backs the whole season; that means he will play.

“Chambers is among the best three and if I can find another one I will do it. But to find another one of that quality will not be easy because Vermaelen left us and had the choice between two massive clubs. That means these clubs have looked everywhere as well and that means it’s not easy to find.”

As for his intentions in filling the defensive gap, Wenger hinted he was looking for a player who could play in a number of positions, perhaps even in midfield.

“Maybe a guy who can play in two or three different positions would be a better asset for us.”

Fingers crossed we get things moving this week, and that Koscielny’s injury isn’t as bad as feared.