Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny won't rush his return from an Achilles injury.

Koscielny was forced off during the second leg of his side's Europa League semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier this month and required an operation on the injury.

“When my tendon let go, I was obviously in the hole," Koscielny admitted. “I immediately thought of the World Cup in Russia.

“Now I'm 32 years old my career in more behind me than be. I do not have the pressure of having to come back as soon as possible, to prove myself as a 20-year-old does after such an injury.

“Yes, I miss a World Cup, with a good bunch of pals and great players, but there is worse in life."

He added: “In three months, I hope to resume light jogging. In five months, I could certainly work with the ball. Then it will take one month of physical preparation with matches with the Arsenal youth team.

“I hope to play again in November… 'step by step', as they say in England."