Arsenal will have to wait to find out the severity of Mathieu Debuchy’s injury after the full-back was carried off on a stretcher in the 80th minute against Manchester City a few hours ago.
Manager Arsene Wenger revealed in the post match press conference, “Debuchy has a badly sprained ankle.
“How long will he be out? I don’t know, but it doesn’t look good. People told me they need a bit more time to assess how long he will be out but it’s a bad ankle sprain.”
#Arsenal RB Debuchy goes off after this injury — looks pretty serious. https://t.co/q2IEeLzemr
— FirstpostSports (@FirstpostSports) September 13, 2014
The 29-year old has had a solid start to his Arsenal career after being signed from Newcastle for close to £10m as a replacement for Bacary Sagna. In his absence, Calum Chambers will be the 1st choice, and is the only remaining player who can play in that role, which could be a problem for Wenger as their defence might get stretched. Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs are the only remaining full-backs, but both of them are more comfortable on the left side. Carl Jenkinson’s departure on loan to West Ham leaves them with Chambers as the only option in Debuchy’s absence.
Deadline day signing Danny Welbeck put in a good shift and was unlucky as his effort bounced of the post. The England international too did not last the entire 90 minutes due to cramps. Arsene Wenger was pleased with the new striker’s first game, “He had cramps and he should be okay.
“He did well. I believe that he needs to develop his link play with our players but that is a bit normal.
“It’s sad that he couldn’t take his chance but overall every time he had an opportunity to find some space he looked dangerous,” he added.
The result against Manchester City was probably a fair one as neither could really take the game by the scruff of it’s neck. Manchester City haven’t lost in consecutive games since 2010 and having fallen behind, they’ll be pleased with a point despite taking the lead in the first half.
As for Arsenal, this was the third draw in a row, but what will hurt them most is the injury to Debuchy. With key games coming up in Champions League, where they face Borussia Dortmund away from home, and the Premier League, a full strength squad is vital to compete.