Forgotten Arsenal Man In-Line For Surprise Start In FA Cup Clash

Arsene Wenger could be set to hand Mathieu Debuchy a rare start during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Sutton United on Monday night, according to the Mirror.

Debuchy has endured a torrid time since joining Arsenal from Newcastle United in 2014 with the French international’s progress hampered by a number of serious injuries.

The 31-year-old lost his first team place to Hector Bellerin during 2015 and has seen the current campaign blighted by a hamstring injury which has kept him on the sidelines for several months.

Debuchy has been frozen out of Arsene’s plans having made just one start in all competitions this entire season, which came against Bournemouth way back in November when he lasted just 16 minutes before limping off injured.

There was talk of another loan move in January but a deal failed to materialise and it now looks like Debuchy could be set for a surprise return to the first team fold.

The Mirror claim that Wenger is ready to hand the Frenchman a start during Monday night’s FA Cup clash with Sutton United in order to give first choice right-back Bellerin a rest.

Debuchy has been training with the first team recently and although he won’t be match sharp due to his lack of competitive action, it looks as though the boss is ready to risk him against the Conference side.

Wenger is expected to make full use of his squad and give his key men a breather with the likes of Danny Welbeck, Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel and Theo Walcott set for starts along with youngsters Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Rob Holding. Ainsley Maitland-Niles could also be on the bench.