Arsenal Extend Midfielder Francis Coquelin's Loan to Charlton Athletic

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has agreed to extend Francis Coquelin's loan to Charlton Athletic until 30 December, even though injuries to Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta have left him short in the midfield.

Wenger confirmed on Friday 28 November that captain Arteta will be out of action for a "minimum of two to three weeks" after he suffered another calf injury during the Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Wilshere has been ruled out for up to three months after he underwent ankle surgery on Thursday 27 November following the injury he suffered against Manchester United last weekend.

While recent reports claimed Arsenal are considering to bolster the midfield during the January transfer window following the latest injury setbacks, the club have confirmed Coquelinwill stay longer than expected at Charlton – as his previous loan deal would have expired on 1 December.

"French midfielder Francis Coquelin has extended his loan with Championship side Charlton Athletic until December 30," the north London side confirmed.

"The 23 year old, who has made 43 Arsenal first-team appearances, spent the 2013/14 campaign on loan at Freiburg. Shortly after returning to Arsenal from Germany, Coquelin showed his versatility when he played 90 minutes at left-back against Southampton in the Capital One Cup.

"Coquelin has featured three times for Charlton since arriving at The Valley earlier this month."

The midfielder, who can also play at full-back, has made 43 first-team appearances for the Gunners since his arrival from Stade Lavallois in 2008.

But prior to his move to the Championship side, the 23-year-old star had only made one appearance for the Gunners this season during the Capital One Cup defeat against Southampton.

It is unclear whether Wenger will opt to take the French midfielder back in January as Coquelin does not appear to be in the manager's short-term plans.