by Olorunwa Lawal
Arsenal’s manager, Arsene Wenger has said assured fans that there is no need to panic despite the Gunners looking depleted in the back four.
On Saturday, during the North-London match against Manchester City, Mathieu Debuchy, damaged an ankle ligament and will be out for two months.
The Gunners, who return to action Tuesday night (September 16, 2014) in the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, will also be without the services of Nacho Monreal; with Calum Chambers struggling with a bout of tonsilitis.
While Kieran Gibbs will replace Monreal, much attention has been drawn to the righ-back position, as risking Chambers, who is the only cover at centre-back, may prove dangerous if any of the Center backs sustain injuries.
However, Arsenal have three possible players who can stand in for the injured Debuchy;
1. Hector Bellerin
A direct replacement for Debuchy, Bellerin is the most obvious stand in for the Frenchman. He’s capable of playing right or left-back and has the potential to be a first team regular for Arsenal in the future. He was in the squad photo for this season, so many fans are already anticipating his Premier League debut for the Gunners.
2. Isaac Hayden
Hayden is the least experienced option out of the trio suggested. He’s 19, English and can play in centre-back or defensive midfield. If Wenger opted to use Chambers as his right-back whilst Debuchy is injured, Hayden may well be needed at centre-back. He’s tall and strong.
3. Francis Coquelin
The forgotten man Francis Coquelin. His primary position is defensive midfield but many forget he debuted for Arsenal in a full-back position and has also played there while on loan in France and Germany. He’s not a natural full-back, but still has good ability in this position. He’s quick, aggressive and already has first-team experience with the club.
Wengers optimism
Speaking on the clubs possible defensive lapses, Wenger said; “I don’t feel we are stretched. The Debuchy [ankle] injury put us in a position where we do not want more and hopefully we have good news after the scan that he can be back soon.
“We have Chambers who can play in different positions, Monreal who can play centre-back and Hector Bellerin, who I think now is ready to play. He’s a boy with personality who isn’t fazed by the pressure,” Wenger said.
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