Arsenal will learn this morning whether Calum Chambers is available for their Champions League group opener at Borussia Dortmund.
Chambers has tonsillitis and is rated only 50-50 to start the match in place of Mathieu Debuchy, who is also facing an extended spell on the sidelines due to an ankle problem.
Adding to Arsene Wenger’s defensive problems is Nacho Monreal’s failure to travel to Germany because of a back complaint, potentially robbing Arsenal of three full-backs.
Chambers had been earmarked to replace Debuchy but should he fail to recover, 19-year-old Spaniard Hector Bellerin will add to his solitary senior appearance for Arsenal.
Wenger is confident Bellerin can plug the gap at the BVB Stadium Dortmund. Kieran Gibbs will start at left-back in place of Monreal.
“In defence we are .... the Debuchy injury has put us in a position where we don’t want more injuries,” Wenger said.
“We have Bellerin who I think is now ready to play. He’s a boy with personality who isn’t fazed by the pressure.
“That’s a very important quality when you’re a young boy playing at a big club.
“His transition game is fantastic. He’s very quick and his final ball is good as well.
“He lacks a bit of experience as a defender, but he’s very dangerous going forward.”
Wenger’s refusal to add to his defence during the summer - he signed Chambers but sold Thomas Vermaelen - may now come back to haunt him with Debuchy facing an extended spell in the treatment room.
The Frenchman was stretchered off with ligament damage in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium and reports state he could be missing for up to three months.
“Debuchy is out for a longer period. We don’t know how long yet. We hoped to have good news after his scan today (Monday),” Wenger said.
“We have Chambers who can play in different positions and Monreal can play in different positions.”
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