Arsene Wenger has confirmed Francis Coquelin will be out for at least two months and with the transfer window closed for now, the Gunners need to find an internal solution, and Wenger thinks he has it.
Wenger has persistently shown faith in young players whilst in charge at Arsenal and he looks like he is going to do it again, by handing 20 year old Calum Chambers a chance to impress in central midfield.
Chambers has not been playing much recently, acting at the fourth choice centre back this season. Coquelin’s absence looks like it will open up the door to more minutes for the former Southampton man, and he’ll need to impress.
Wenger spoke in a press-conference this morning:
“I will give myself time, we have players who play in this position like Mathieu Flamini and players who can play there like Calum Chambers.
“Sometimes this is a good opportunity for other players to turn up and do the job. I will do what is needed in January, knowing as well it is not an ideal transfer market.”
The boss’ words indicate a confidence in Chambers, but also an acceptance that he may have to dip into the transfer market come January.
For now though, let’s see what Flamini and Chambers can do. They might not seem like the best solutions, but this time a year ago when we heard Coquelin was being re-called, nobody was optimistic – and look how that turned out! It’s frustrating, but we must keep the faith and continue to support the eleven players Wenger selects.
Bring on Zagreb..