Koscielny scored in the 26th minute of Arsenal's 3-0 win against Newcastle on Monday.

Koscielny opened the scoring by finding the end of a free-kick to finish from close range. Following the goal, Koscielny celebrated by joyfully punting the ball into the stands, a decision that earned him a yellow card. While the Frenchman has two goals on the season, his fantasy stock lies in Arsenal's proven ability to keep clean sheets, an accomplishment achieved once again Monday.

Arsenal has opened contract discussions with Koscielny focused on an improved deal for the defender, reports the Daily Mail.

Koscielny has three years remaining on his current contract, and a new deal would bring his pay in line with other top earners in the club. Reports have suggested there are a number of teams watching the defender, so Arsenal made the move to reaffirm his happiness.

Koscielny has recovered from his calf injury and is in the starting XI for Tuesday's match against West Ham.

Koscielny has not played since suffering the injury back on March 22 against Chelsea, but his presence will be a huge boost for an Arsenal squad who needs to pick it up defensively for the stretch run.

Koscielny (calf) has been ruled out of Saturday's FA Cup semifinal against Wigan, but he may be able to return for Tuesday's Premier League match against West Ham, the club's official web site reports.

Manager Arsene Wenger said Tuesday is the earliest that Koscienly could return, so there is certainly no guarantee. The defender has not played since suffering the injury March 22 against Chelsea, but he would be a huge boost to an Arsenal side that needs to firm up the back four ahead of a final Champions League push.

Koscielny will not face Everton this weekend due to his calf injury, but he may be able to return the following week against Wigan in the FA Cup semifinal, Arsenal's official web site reports.

Koscielny came off at halftime of Arsenal's 0-6 loss to Chelsea on March 22 and has not been able to train since. He is a vital contributor to the back four and will be a huge boost when he returns.

Koscielny could be out for several weeks after picking up a calf strain last weekend against Chelsea, the Daily Mirror reports.

The timeframe means the Frenchman could miss Arsenal's FA Cup semifinal against Wigan on April 12. Koscielny has been extremely strong in the backline for the Gunners and will be sorely missed this Saturday against Manchester City.

Koscielny will not play Tuesday against Swansea due to a calf injury, the Daily Mail reports.

Manager Arsene Wener said he does not know how long Koscielny will be out. The injury comes at a terrible time for the Gunners, who have home matches against Swansea and Manchester City within the next five days.