Arsene Wenger Must Roll the Dice and Hand Mathieu Debuchy an Arsenal Recall

Arsenal have now officially confirmed a lengthy contract extension for Hector Bellerin. The Spanish right-back has committed his future to the Gunners and appears set to be their first-choice right-back for years to come.

It’s fantastic long-term news for Arsenal and the security of the right-back position. However, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger must find a way to cope without Bellerin in the immediate future. The Spaniard is still sidelined with an ankle injury and is not expected to return for several weeks.

After the unconvincing performance of Carl Jenkinson at Old Trafford, Wenger will be considering his options—and that could mean a return to action for outcast Mathieu Debuchy.

Jenkinson made his first Premier League start for Arsenal in more than two years against Manchester United. The former Charlton Athletic defender had spent 18 months on loan with West Ham United before a serious knee injury saw him spend the second half of 2015/16 in a gruelling rehabilitation programme.

Arsenal fans are delighted to see Jenkinson back on the pitch—he’s a boyhood fan of the club, and every supporter loves seeing one of their own out on the field. However, anyone expecting Jenkinson to have returned to Arsenal a vastly improved player will have been left a little disappointed. 

Some nerves on his part would be understandable—the last time Jenkinson started for Arsenal at Old Trafford, he was sent off in a humiliating 8-2 defeat. However, Arsenal can ill-afford an anxious deputy at right-back. This is a stage of the season when every point is precious, and any mistake can prove hugely costly. 

There were no particularly glaring errors from Jenkinson, but he did not look comfortable against the pace and trickery of Anthony Martial. Jenkinson’s strengths, like Bellerin’s, are in attack. He is arguably the best crosser at the club, whipping in balls from the right with speed and accuracy.

However, his technical game is not at the level of the rest of the Arsenal squad, and he struggles to get involved in the Gunners’ intricate passing game. Furthermore, with Olivier Giroud now confined …

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