While the Arsenal and England left back Kieran Gibbs is well aware that his chances to carry on his international career are suffering because of the lack of football he gets at club level, the player he is trying to replace in the Arsenal team could be forgiven for wondering what more he has to do.
Because even though Nacho Monreal came to Arsenal as a full international and has since nailed down his place with the Gunners because of his excellent and consistent form, the international caps have dried up. In fact the 30-year old defender was probably resigning himself to his international career being over as he had not been called up by Spain for three years.
Until now that is, because the usual Spanish fiorst choice left back, Jordi Alba of Barcelona, picked up an injury in the draw away to Italy in the World Cup qualifiers last night. The Daily Star reports that Monreal is the player that new Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has called up to replace him.
That is great news for Monreal and no more than he deserves for his form over the last few years. He may not play when Spain against Albania on Sunday but this will surely be a huge boost to the Arsenal star in any case. Well done Nacho, keep it up!
Bob.
Am not sure he will be at the World Cup as he will be 32 already so it doesn’t call for celebration…..I wish he has not been called,we need him fresh.he doesn’t deserve to be just an emergency option…
Having said that,I think Gibbs should be able to play against Swansea at home regardless of whether Monreal goes to Spain o not…and the same goes to other players too…
……………..Cech……….
Bell…….Holding……Kos…..Gibbs.
……..Xhaka……Elneny……
Walcott……Cazorla……….Ox….
Sanchez/Giroud..
We need to rest Ozil,Iwobi,Sanchez and even Walcott….
Walcott and Kos are included because they are used to the stress and no one to replace Walcott…
If Giroud is fit,he should start as we still UCL the following week
in all my years of watching football, nacho is one of the most improved players i have seen. he now plays with a lot of steel, confidence and he even sometimes appears on the right wing. it just goes to show that if you play for arsenal, esp if Wenger likes you… and you don’t perform.. you can never perform any where else .
I’ve never seen Nacho on the right wing before, and in any case, how’s that a good thing? :/
he is confident enough to be adventurous