Gunners get defensive relief

Arsenal defensive pair Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou have returned to full training after recovering from injury.

Alex Song was forced to play at the back alongside Per Mertesacker as the duo missed crucial games against Tottenham and Olympiacos before the international break.

The French centre-back had been missing with an ankle knock and Djourou was absent with a muscle strain.

Arsenal said in a statement: “Following rehab at Arsenal, both players are now away on international duty but did not feature in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifiers.”

“Koscielny was an unused substitute for Laurent Blanc’s France side, while Djourou was suspended for Switzerland’s 2-0 defeat at Wales.”

“The return of Koscielny and Djourou – along with Sebastien Squillaci – will give Arsene Wenger plenty of defensive options when Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign against Sunderland next weekend.”

Following their 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane in the north London derby, Arsene Wenger’s side’s sit 15th on the Premier League table with seven points from as many games played.