Arsene Wenger ready to risk star defender against Leicester

Arsene Wenger has revealed he may take a gamble on Laurent Koscielny's fitness for Arsenal's clash with Leicester City on Saturday. 

Koscielny has not featured yet this season following an extended break following his involvement at Euro 2016. 

The gunners are currently in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with Per Mertesacker and Gabriel both sidelined with long-term injuries. 

Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud were also given extended breaks following this summer's tournament in France and Wenger admitted that he could risk them against the Premier League champions on Saturday evening. 

“Maybe I will take a gamble on bringing them back early but I have 48 hours to decide," he told reporters in a press conference. 

Arsene Wenger also defended his decision to hand the trio extended breaks, insisting there was a balancing act between ensuring his players are rested enough following a busy summer. 

“It’s very difficult. The clubs pay always for the fact the players play in this tournament. The Euro finished July 10, you started 14th August. So what can you do."he added 

"Do you give the player normal holiday and they aren’t ready, or they are mentally and physically jaded. 

"The fact is I gave him holiday at the start and Gabriel, Mertesacker, we lost the two."