It would be just about typical of the bad luck Arsenal have had with injury problems this season. Just when we get our first choice central defender Laurent Koscielny back in the Gunners line-up, there is a chance that both of our front line left backs will be out of action after picking up knocks in the same match.
England international Kieran Gibbs was given a well earned rest, but that lasted just 20 minutes as our Spanish defender Nacho Monreal picked up a knee problem that looks certain to keep him out of the Premier League clash with Southampton. Gibbs then took a knock to his ankle which will be assessed this week but knowing out luck, there is a good chance that Wenger will have to shuffle the Arsenal pack again.
And those that want to berate Wenger for letting Thomas Vermaelen leave should know that the Belgian has not played fro his new club yet and is now set for surgery and a five month spell on the sidelines.
The Gunners do have a few options here; the first is moving the versatile young Calum Chambers over to the left and bringing Hector Bellerin in to the right back role. Or perhaps to avoid too many changes, the young Spanish defender could come in at left back, where his pace might help him to compensate for his lack of experience.
The other option is to bring Chambers into the middle and play Koscielny at left back. The French international is the better defender and he is quick to boot, but that would also weaken the centre of our back four and I don’t think that is the way to go.
I’m pretty sure that Wenger will be having a look at Bellerin for the role this week, but the boss will also be crossing his fingers that Gibbs can play. If not, how would you set up the Arsenal defence?