Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to wish defender Laurent Koscielny a happy birthday and wish him a speedy recovery from injury.
The Arsenal captain turned 33 today, however will spend the day continuing his rehab after picking up a nasty achilles injury earlier in the year.
Koscielny sustained the knock during the Gunners’ Europa League semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid last season, and was subsequently forced to withdraw from the World Cup, which of course, his nation went on to win.
He is expected to return to Arsenal training in November.
Koscielny has been a sorely missed figure in the heart of Arsenal’s defence in his absence, with the Frenchman having established himself as one of the club’s most important players over the past eight seasons.
The 33-year-old joined the Gunners from Ligue 1 side Lorient in the summer of 2010, and has since made 324 appearances and scored 24 times for the North Londoners.
He also helped Arsenal to three Community Shields, as well as two FA Cup trophies – the first of which he scored to equalise against Hull City in a 3-2 victory for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Happy Birthday, Bosscielny!
Happy 33rd Birthday @6_LKOSCIELNY!
? 324 Apps
⚽️ 24 Goals
✅ 87 Clean Sheets (PL)
? 413 Tackles (PL)
? 2 FA Cups
? 2 Community ShieldsWhat’s your favourite memory of Koscielny?#COYG #AFC #Gunners pic.twitter.com/ALdstWalHJ
— Gunners.com (@Gunnersc0m) September 9, 2018
Can’t wait for Laurent Koscielny to come back from injury.
Will be so important if he gets 100% fit. What a player. pic.twitter.com/hbRnag5OLp
— – (@EmeryTactic) September 8, 2018
Happy birthday to the boss.?❤️ pic.twitter.com/U3frYuNBOv
— Koscielny (@H14AFC) September 10, 2018
Happy Birthday to Laurent Koscielny! pic.twitter.com/9Q6gHEWB1l
— Throwback Arsenal (@ThrowbackAFC) September 10, 2018
Laurent Koscielny is turning 33 today! Join us in wishing the Arsenal skipper a Happy Birthday! ? pic.twitter.com/RkvNaJvKXS
— Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) September 10, 2018
Birthday boy Koscielny. One of the best servants of Emirates era. Beast in his prime. Have a good one mate. pic.twitter.com/2kw1FZ25bA
— Lacazettes (@Lacazettes) September 10, 2018
Happy Birthday to Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, who turns 33 today!
Joyeux Anniversaire, Lolo! @6_LKOSCIELNY #afc pic.twitter.com/Z0lDwGZgLf
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 10, 2018
Happy birthday to our captain, Laurent Koscielny. pic.twitter.com/iZqWFW6eYm
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) September 10, 2018
The Arsenal defender turns 33 today! Join #KickOff in wishing Laurent Koscielny a Happy Birthday! ? pic.twitter.com/LTN8dd2lW7
— Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) September 10, 2018