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Arsenal's Koscielny starts vs. Sunderland; Walcott returns to bench

Reuters

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny confirmed earlier reports that he would miss no time with a hip injury, as he earned a spot in the starting XI against Sunderland on Saturday.

Teammate Theo Walcott also returned to the bench after missing more than a month with a calf problem.

The two give Arsenal a much-needed boost during a massive injury crisis at the club. The Gunners are without midfielders Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin and forward Danny Welbeck until the new year, while Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez could yet play before 2015 is out.

In total, Arsenal has 10 players on the sidelines. But Koscielny's quick recovery from last weekend's 1-1 draw at Norwich City, as well as Walcott's availability off the bench, will help manager Arsene Wenger navigate the challenges going into the Christmas period.

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