Gibbs Injury Update: Thigh Strain Worse Than First Feared

Bad news this morning Gooners. Manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that Kieran Gibbs injury is worse than first feared and the left-back will now face up to six weeks on the sidelines.

The full-back was forced off in the first half of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool holding his thigh and the initial prognosis ruled him out for up to three weeks.

However, speaking at his weekly press conference ahead of this weekends clash with Stoke, Wenger has revealed the injury is more serious than first thought and the 23-year-old is now facing up to six weeks on the sidelines which will rule him out of both Champions League games with Bayern Munich.

If that’s the case, Wenger has hinted struggling deputy Andre Santos may have a key role to play and feels some of the criticism aimed at the Brazilian is unfair. Wenger is quoted as saying by Goal.com:

“It will be four to six weeks [out].

“I believe Gibbs will be out for the Champions League. I [cannot] play Monreal. Santos could have a key role.”

“He is the type of player who gets sharper from competition. Yes [some criticism he gets is unfair].

“I believe we need two left backs. We had two before, we have two again now because Gibbs is out.”

Gibbs has been enjoying the best season of his career and has been particularly impressive in recent weeks, so this latest injury set-back is unfortunate. But we all know he has had his injury problems in the past so this injury shouldn’t really come as a surprise.

The good news is that Wenger brought in a new left-back on deadline day, by signing Nacho Monreal from Malaga, but he’s cup tied after already playing in the Champions League this season so we’ll have a hole to fill. Hopefully Arsene decides to go with Vermaelen at left-back because Santos against the likes of Robben and Ribery doesn’t bare thinking about.