The former Arsenal man was helped by medics after a horrible clash of heads that called for a match to be halted as emergency treatment was given to the star
Olivier Giroud and Francis Coquelin lift the FA Cup Trophy after the match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
Francis Coqueline lifting the FA Cup during his time at Arsenal. (Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Ligue 2 match between Stade Lavallois and Nantes was forced to be stopped due to a worrying injury to former Arsenal FA Cup winner Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman was coming up against his former side when the incident occurred.
He was making his second appearance for his new club, but it was cut short after a nasty clash of heads with Wilitty Younoussa. Medics quickly rushed onto the pitch, as scuffles broke out between the two sets of players.
After receiving treatment, Coquelin was taken off the pitch on a stretcher and then taken straight to the hospital. It is reported that he suffered a fractured eye socket.
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French reporter Raphael Faurie-Pacaud gave the update: "After his heavy collision with Younoussa, Coquelin was taken to the hospital but conscious.
"Suspicion of an orbital floor fracture for the player who was making his first appearance with the Tango at Le Basser. He could be sidelined from the field for several months."
There was also limited optimism regarding the Frenchman's condition from his head coach David Vignes. The Laval boss suggested the injury is expected to be "pretty serious" and may sideline him for a lengthy period.
Eighteen years ago, the midfielder left Laval to sign for Arsenal. Prior to his move from France to north London, he had been with the French side since he was nine years old.
Upon his homecoming this summer, he signed a one-year deal with the option of an additional year, stating that this would be the final transfer of his professional career. Following the announcement of his return, the club posted a picture of him wearing the shirt and paid a heartfelt tribute.
They wrote: "Twenty years after leaving his hometown for Arsenal, he's coming home! After stints in England and Spain, where he won the Europa League with Villarreal CF in 2021 and a spell at FC Nantes, Francis Coquelin has signed with Stade Lavallois MFC. Welcome home, Francis."
Francis Coquelin (C) fights for the ball with Fredrik Oppegard during the French L1 football match between AJ Auxerre and FC Nantes.
Francis Coquelin in action for former club Nantes. (Image: ARNAUD FINISTRE, AFP via Getty Images)
Both he and his club will now be hoping for a speedy recovery from his injury and a swift return to action. Laval did manage to secure a 2-1 victory over Coquelin's former team thanks to a last-minute winner from Mathis Houdayer.
During his tenure at Arsenal, he made 160 appearances and clinched two FA Cup winners' medals while in north London.
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