Arsenal injury news: Laurent Koscielny in late injury test as Arsene Wenger says two more could return against Watford

Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini in contention to face Hornets as Arsenal look to build on win over Manchester United

Laurent Koscielny limps off during Arsenal's defeat to Olympiakos (2015 Getty Images)

Arsenal could be without defender Laurent Koscielny for this weekend’s Premier League trip to Watford after manager Arsene Wenger admitted that the centre-back will require a late fitness test.

Koscielny injured his hamstring in the Champions League defeat to Olympiakos at the end of September and missed the 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Teammate Gabriel Paulista has partnered first-team regular Per Mertesacker in his absence, although the timing of the international break means Kosicleny has only missed one game to date.

However, the France international is a doubt for the clash with Watford on Saturday evening as Wenger confirmed at his pre-match press conference that the 30-year-old will require a late fitness test to deem if he is available for the short trip to Vicarage Road.

“Koscielny faces a fitness test” said Wenger. “We have three players that could come back."

Those three players are set to be made up of Koscielny, club captain Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini to boost Wenger’s midfield options.

Both Arteta and Flamini picked up knocks in the 5-2 victory over Leicester on 26 September, although Wenger is unlikely to make many changes to his side following the 19-minute demolition job over United last time out.

The result could spark real impetus into the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge as the win sent them second in the league table, two points behind leaders Manchester City.

“The top eight can compete for the Premier League. It is difficult to rule anybody out,” added Wenger.

“You can compete for the championship if you turn up and fight for every game. We need to show the same quality."

He works hard for the team and finishes. His enthusiasm is contagious

&#13; <p>Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager</p>&#13;

Wenger was also quick to praise star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil, with both impressing in the victory over United with the former finding the back of the net twice and the latter netting his first goal of the season.

The 65-year-old identified the effect that Sanchez can have on his teammates, while claimed that Özil had answered his critics who questioned whether he can perform in the big games.

"He works hard for the team and finishes. His enthusiasm is contagious,” Wenger said of Sanchez, before adding: "What you want from Mesut is to score in the big games. He did against Manchester United."