Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin was taken to the hospital after a severe clash of heads during a Ligue 2 match on Friday night. The 35-year-old was making his second appearance for the club Laval.
Coquelin collided with Wilitty Younoussa of Nantes early in the game. Both players required medical attention on the pitch and were subsequently stretchered off. Reports from France indicate that Coquelin was conscious when transported to the hospital, where he underwent scans due to concerns of a broken eye socket.
Laval's head coach, David Vignes, stated that the injury appeared to be "pretty serious" and would likely sideline Coquelin for an extended period. The midfielder had rejoined Laval in the summer, marking a return to the club where he began his youth career before moving to Arsenal's academy.
During his career, Coquelin played 160 times for Arsenal, winning the FA Cup twice. He also had loan spells at various clubs and spent significant time with Valencia and Villarreal, where he was part of the Europa League-winning squad in the 2020-21 season. Prior to his injury, he was facing his former club Nantes.
Laval secured a 2-1 victory in the match with a stoppage-time winner.