Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs looks set to start against Burnley on Saturday. This news is a welcome surprise, after previous rumours that he could miss the next six weeks.
The Gunners had feared Gibbs would be out with another long term injury and Twitter rumours suggested his absence would last no less than six weeks. More reliable reports now suggest Gibbs could be available as early as Saturday. It shows you shouldn’t listen to Twitter rumours..
The English defender was substituted in the Gunners 2-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday after complaining of pain in his pelvis. With Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny already out with long term injuries, Arsenal simply cannot afford another long term defensive casualty.
Mikel Arteta was also substituted due to injury, but initial reports on Monday suggested both players would be fit for the weekend.
Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Arteta are all due to be fit and in contention to start, with Serge Gnabry making a positive recovery in the under 21’s.
It would be great to have Gibbs fit for the Burnley game, but if there is any risk involved at all then we shouldn’t do it. Burnley at home will be one of the easiest fixtures of the season (it should be) and we can’t afford to be without Gibbs at this stage. If Bellerin has to start, with Monreal on the left and Mertesacker and Chambers as centre-backs, I would be more than happy. That back four should be capable of beating Burnley, so as much as I’d love to see Gibbs back in action – please don’t take any risks Arsene.