Arsenal
Arsenal Pre-Man City Team News: Wenger Confirms Injury Double Blow + Gibbs Update
Arsene Wenger has confirmed a double injury blow ahead of Arsenal’s huge clash with Manchester City this weekend, but Kieran Gibbs could return to action.
Arsenal take on Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon and Arsene Wenger has given a team news update ahead of the game.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, the Gunners boss confirmed the bad news that Mathieu Debuchy has been forced to undergo shoulder surgery and will be sidelined for the next three months.
The French full-back dislocated his shoulder during last weeks 3-0 win over Stoke and there were hopes that he may not need to go under the knife. However, Wenger has revealed that the injury needed to be operated on and now we’ll be without our first choice right-back until mid-April.
We’ll also have to make-do without Danny Welbeck against City as the striker has failed to shake-off a thigh injury that’s already kept him out for three weeks, but Wenger hopes the 23-year-old will return against Brighton in the FA Cup next weekend.
There was some positive news to come from the bosses update as he’s confirmed that Kieran Gibbs is set to return to training tomorrow and could be back in contention to face City on Sunday. Here’s what Arsene told the clubs website:
on Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder)…
Mathieu had a surgery on his right shoulder following the injury on Sunday. It’s very unfortunate for Mathieu, it’s unbelievable because he’s had two surgeries in the same season. He just came back, he played seven games and he’s out again. I count three months out for Mathieu because contact will be a problem for the shoulder.
on Kieran Gibbs (heel)…
Kieran Gibbs will be training again with the squad on Friday and we will see how he goes from there. His news is positive.
on Danny Welbeck (thigh)…
Danny Welbeck is not ready yet, he is still feeling some pain, so we will have to be patient.
It’s a huge blow to lose Debuchy for another three months as he’s only just returned from a lengthy absence due to an ankle injury, but it’s now an opportunity for Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers to stake their claim for a first team spot.
Debuchy’s injury is the second big blow we’re received today. As we reported earlier, Mikel Arteta has also been ruled out for around three months after undergoing ankle surgery, so our poor luck with injuries continues….
